Merton Council and the Merton Chamber of Commerce have agreed a two-year deal this week to provide advice and support for both Merton’s existing businesses and also entrepreneurs wishing to start a business in the borough.

Called Merton Means Business, the service opened for business this week and is based at the council’s Generator Business Centre in Mitcham, providing a hub for enterprise in the borough. Both Merton Means Business and the Generator Business Centre are funded by Merton Council as part of the national Solutions for Business portfolio. The service is to be managed by the Chamber of Commerce which is all set to impart to businesses and start-ups their invaluable expertise in establishing successful enterprises.

The new Merton Means Business service will provide:

· A business help desk

· A business advice service

· Outreach services to identify and target businesses in need of assistance

· A programme of business workshops, seminars and peer group learning/networking events

· A library of training and advice publications

· Management of the Business Generator Centre in Miles Road – with a range of serviced office suites and light industrial units.

The council selected the Chamber of Commerce following a competitive tendering process which had enquiries from 35 organisations in London and other parts of the UK.

Merton Council cabinet member for finance and regeneration Councillor Diane Neil Mills said: ‘I welcome this opportunity to work with our local Chamber of Commerce to further support and build Merton’s business base. Our new Merton Means Business service as well as the council’s forthcoming Economic Development Strategy will provide the ability for Merton’s local economy to be further developed.’

Diana Sterck Chief Executive of the Chamber of Commerce said: ‘We are delighted to launch the Merton Means Business service from the Generator Business Centre. Our aspiration is to create a knowledge and activity hub offering a range of services for all types of businesses and at all stages of development.’

For more information on the Generator Business Centre and the support available for local business call 020 8408 1501 or visit http://www.merton.gov.uk/about-thegenerator

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Note to editors:

The Department for Business Innovation and Skills (BIS) offers a number of products to businesses as part of its Solutions for Business portfolio. The products within the portfolio that BIS offers are designed to help businesses access finance, innovation, research and development, training and skills, exporting and overseas trade and resource efficiency, including low carbon.

The Generator Business Centre is at 95 Miles Road, Mitcham, CR4 3FH