MORE than 150 budding entrepreneurs have benefited since the Enterprise Haven opened its doors to new businesses 10 months ago.

The Haven, in Every Street, Whitefield, Nelson, has units for two local businesses and managed ‘hot desk’ facilities for six starter businesses.

According to bosses, it has led to “a burst of entrepreneurial energy” which has boosted the borough’s economy.

They expect it will continue to support fledgling businesses over the next 10 years, creating up to 13,000 further jobs and another 4,000 companies.

At the centre, business owners have access to one-to-one enterprise coaching, networking opportunities and courses on marketing, finance, book-keeping, business planning, effective use of information technology and sales techniques.

The training room has proven popular within the Pendle community, with local residents attending various workshops and events including business launches, women’s training programmes and English as a second language.

Tenants currently taking advantage of the business development opportunities include two graphic and marketing companies, an accountant, a counselling service and a publishing company.

Nathalie Parker-Smeeth has been using the Haven’s rent-a-desk facility since April, which has helped her company, WOW Designs.

She said: “The Haven was ideal for me as it offers the complete package and I could tailor my worklife around my children.