SMALL businesses and ambitious entrepreneurs look like they will get a big boost with the proposed development of 14 new starter units in Worcester and a Dragons’ Den-style scheme.

At a time of economic doom and gloom one company is looking to spend about £800,000 on creating a hub for small, industrial businesses in Lower Wick.

Developer Lansdowne Rodway is also willing to fund entrepreneurs wanting to turn their ideas and ambitions into reality.

Managing director Charles Rodway said: “We hope ambitious local people with good ideas who are new to business and need a little help will come and pitch to us and if the business plan looks viable we will invest in the idea in terms of capital, premises and business mentoring in return for an equity share.

“A real Worcester’s own Dragons’ Den but with one major difference from the TV show – that equity share can be bought back at any time by the business idea owners, thus allowing them to have 100 per cent control when they feel confident and strong enough to do so.

“This way we hope to promote and encourage a vibrant entrepreneurial hub in Worcester city at a time when most banks are reluctant to lend to small business enterprises.”

The plans for the starter units at the New Venture Enterprise Centre at Venture Business Park in Weir Lane show that two larger units – about 1,450sq ft – at either end will sandwich 10 smaller units – about 700sq ft – and will contain small toilet and kitchen facilities.

The building will be made out of grey/silver steel profile cladding with alternating green and yellow-coloured shutters.

There will be 33 car parking spaces, including eight disabled, and internal bicycle storage.

Ian Miles, group estate and development manager for Lansdowne Rodway, admitted that many people are surprised the company is looking to invest at the present.

“We spoke to the city council’s economic development officer and he said people do ring up asking for small units and at the moment there aren’t really any,” he said.

“At Venture Business Park and to some extent in Blackpole the units are about 2,400sq ft so this will fill a gap in the market.”

Mr Miles said the units would be offered to businesses on leases with ‘easy in and out’ terms. Mr Miles said if planning permission is granted on Friday it would take about 26 weeks to complete and let the first unit.