A FREE support service aimed at small businesses across the Winchester district has been launched.

Funded by Winchester City Council, the service will be delivered by IncuHive and aims to help kick-start businesses into profitability with services from one-to-one mentoring through to complete investment acceleration programmes.

IncuHive, based in Westgate Chambers, in Staple Gardens, is the brain child of local entrepreneur Steve Northam.

It offers businesses practical support such as office space, and access to payroll and HR functions, as well as tools to develop their business using regular networking, training and investment opportunities.

Chas Bradfield, strategic director for place, at Winchester City Council, said: “We are delighted to be working with IncuHive to deliver a dynamic and innovative business support service for the Winchester area. Steven and his team have a proven track record in running their own businesses and in using digital technology to support businesses. They also have great insight into the Winchester market.”

Steven Northam, IncuHive’s Winchester-based founder, said: “We are really excited to be working with the council, providing business support and mentoring for start-up and small business in the area. We are confident our fresh and innovative approach will really accelerate small businesses across the city, putting Winchester on the map as the place to start-up in the south.”

Businesses interested in taking advantage of the business support service should contact IncuHive via their website incuhive.co.uk by e-mail hello@incuhive.co.uk or phone 0800 689 3564.