Managed workspace provides the ideal environment for businesses to start up or expand. The concept is based on extensive research into what businesses actually need. Features include:

• Easy in easy out terms – if things don’t work out you don’t have the burden of a long lease on your shoulders.

• A wide variety of unit sizes, allowing easy movement up or downwards; you only pay rent for what you need.

• 24-hour access, 7 days a week – if you’ve got an urgent order you don’t want to be kicked out at 6 o’clock.

• Total security – the last thing you need is for your gear to be stolen.

• Administrative services such as photocopying on a ‘pay as you go’ basis.

• An attractive image and environment with which to impress your customers.

• Business advice and professional services such as accountancy available when required.

Knowsley has a good example of a managed workspace at North Mersey Business Centre (www.nmbc.uk.com) on Knowsley Industrial Park. This centre is now almost 100,000 square feet in extent and is run by Knowsley Development Trust who uses surpluses to help local people – particularly young people – to develop their skills and set up in business.

Knowsley Business Resource Centre (with its annexe Knowsley Enterprise Workshops) run by Knowsley Council totals 40,000 square feet and is also on Knowsley Industrial Park. The only managed workspace feature missing is 24- hour access but this is currently being investigated.

Both of the above centres are very popular, and there is much scope in Knowsley – with its excellent location on Merseyside’s motorway network - for further managed workspace developments. Two major centres are planned for Huyton/Prescot in the centre of the Borough. The first of these will be part of the proposed Knowsley Investment and Technology Centre currently in the planning stage. There are also proposals for smaller neighbourhood centres linked to jobs, employment & training and community based economic development activities. Plans are well advanced for the first of these at North Huyton on Liverpool Road, and a further scheme is planned for Halewood.

For further information contact Dale Milburn Head of Property Services on 0151 477 4000.