A CHANDLER'S Ford start-up support firm is preparing to launch its first workspace this month after a rapid six-month development.

IncuHive aims to offer easy access to office space, mentoring and investments to new ventures across Hampshire.

The company, which is launching with an open day today, is the brainchild of Steve Northam, an entrepreneur and part-time Winchester University lecturer.

Over the last six months he has refurbished, branded and built the firm's new business incubation centre in Chandler's Ford Industrial Estate.

Mr Northam said: “It has been one of my long term goals to develop and launch a business incubation centre with my own brand and stamp on it. To have ticked this off so quickly is both very satisfying and extremely exciting for the future for myself and budding entrepreneurs in the area."

His partnership with Mike Worley and the Rolwey Group has won the backing of Hampshire County Council's new rural affairs champion, Cllr Rob Humby.

Cllr Humby, former leader of Winchester City Council, said: “IncuHive has such a diverse group of business mentors, they can make a real difference and boost entrepreneurship across our region.

"I was also honoured to be asked to become a business mentor myself. After nearly 30 years as a small-businessman and almost a decade as a local councillor, I hope to bring together businesses, educational establishments, local authorities and others. It's just about joining up the dots.”

IncuHive also aims to provide in-house accounting, payroll, legal and web development aid to clients.

It launches next Saturday, June 13, with an open day at the business incubation centre in Mayflower Close, Chandler's Ford Industrial Estate. It will be open from 10am to 6pm.

For more information, email hello@incuhive.co.uk.