Fledgling companies are to be "hot-housed" in a former Irvine factory to help them grow and create jobs and opportunities.

The ambitious ASPIRE project is being funded by Irvine Bay Regeneration Company in the former NACCO building.

Up to 22 offices will be created, along with a reception area, communal meeting space, an exhibition area and a conference room. The project is being operated for the company by Real Work Skills, which has extensive experience in working with new-start companies.

A service charge of £200 per office per month will be the only cost, and other than that the offices will be rent free. Offices will be made available to anybody who has not yet started a business ― provided they start trading within 6 months of taking up the office ― or anybody who has started a business but has not previously been in rented accommodation (e.g. has been working from their own home).

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Standard office services and facilities provided will include reception services, broadband access, telephone connectivity, basic office equipment and cleaning services.

In addition, RWS will provide communal space equipped with PCs, meeting tables, seating areas and display/exhibition space, where occupiers can meet together, with clients, and with the RWS youth trainees. Vending machines will be supplied.

Additional services for the ASPIRE community will be provided by RWS, and will include regular training events, business speakers, weekly one-to-one business surgery appointments, and networking events.

RWS will also establish a branch of their charity within the offices, where training in life, core and work skills will be provided for 16-24 years old candidates from the area, referred by Careers Scotland and Job Centre Plus.

At the company’s Annual Public Meeting today, Chief Executive Patrick Wiggins said: "It is anticipated that bringing together the two communities will have additional benefits for all parties.

"This initiative is an innovative venture which will make a positive contribution to the community, incubating new businesses, several of which should go on to create new jobs in the local economy, whilst all the time providing a base for a local charity which is dedicated to improving the futures for youngsters in the community."

Karen Herbert, Real Work Skills, said: "We are delighted to be working with Irvine Bay Regeneration Company on this innovative project. The cost of starting up and the loneliness of being newly self employed will be reduced, and working closely with young people will be of benefit to both parties, and generate a strong work-related community for Irvine."