Entrepreneur Neville Sears has invested £50,000 in new serviced offices that could encourage more start-up businesses and become home to 60 jobs.

Sears Business Centre in Station Street, Sittingbourne, offers a range of options from a hot desk for £50 to an open plan desk, a dedicated office or a boardroom for up to 25 people. Success could lead to Mr Sears investing in more centres in Kent.

Mr Sears, managing director of Sears Communications, a London-based telecomms business he founded 10 years ago, teamed up with property owner Martin Bloomfield to transform the premises into a modern suite of serviced offices.

One floor is now ready for occupation and already has its first tenant. A second fllor will be renovated according to demand.

The business centre aims to address the shortage of office space in Sittingbourne. “You can moan and groan about no one doing anything or you can do something,” said Mr Sears who has invested his own money in the project.

The centre was opened officially on July 18 by Cllr Sue Gent, the Mayor of Swale. She said: “This is a fantastic facility. Well done.”

Gordon Henderson, MP for Sittingbourne and Sheppey, said: “One of the biggest problems we face is encouraging people to start up businesses and the first obstacle they face is - can they afford the rent? They can now because you’ve got a facility here where for £50 a month, you can have a hot desk and a business strip. That’s the first step towards being an entrepreneur.”

Mr Sears did not rule out similar centres elsewhere in Kent. “Never say never but let’s walk before we run. Let’s see if this principle works."

The new centre has hired 18-year old apprentice Katie Matson, from Teynham. It’s her first “proper” job. “I love it and I’m very lucky,” she said.