A NEW kind of facility for small and growing businesses has opened in Durham City.

Councillor Ken Manton, leader of Durham County Council, officially opened the £500,000 Evans Business Centre on the Belmont Industrial Estate.

The 10,550sq ft centre is operated by Evans Easyspace, part of the Evans Property Group, of Leeds.

The centre, which features two offices and seven workshops, has already signed up its first tenants.

Coun Manton said: "Evans Easyspace is a welcome addition to the business support framework in County Durham.

"As a council, we support any move that assists small and growing businesses to thrive in this area, and I know the Evans Business Centre will be a great asset to our business community."

He added: "Not only will this centre provide an excellent base for businesses, it will also bring opportunities for work to around 30 people."

Evans Easyspace provides businesses with hassle-free flexible space, terms and services. The company has 16 centres around the UK.

Ian Frostwick, regional manager for Evans Easyspace, said: "We have had a huge amount of interest in the centre.

"We operate on straightforward and flexible terms so clients can move in immediately and give only two months' notice when they are moving on or trading up to a bigger space with us."

He said clients could take advantage of special rates on services such as utilities, insurance, communications, factoring, office furniture, payroll, HR services and risk assessment.

More services would be added in response to customer demand.

For more details about the Evans Business Centre at Belmont Industrial Estate, contact freephone 0800 039 3900, or log on to the website at www.evanseasyspace.com