Boris launches start-up premises scheme

Boris Johnson has launched a new initiative to help pair up new business owners searching for premises with landlords looking to fill empty property.

Despite a 12.5% rise in the shop vacancy rate across the UK, many new businesses are still struggling to find affordable premises, the Mayor’s office said.

The new scheme will encourage landlords to list their available units for free to new companies at discounted rates, with shorter-term lets and more lease flexibility.

“It’s absurd that right now, across the capital, there are so many properties lying vacant while new businesses are looking for space and opportunity to grow,” the London Mayor said.

“The winning factor with this initiative is that it has public, private and industry support. London remains a city full of opportunity and this new website is another weapon in the capital’s armoury to stimulate enterprise, revitalise empty properties and create employment opportunities for Londoners.”

The initiative has been launched in partnership with property firm Workspace Group and is being supported by Apprentice winner and founder of the Bright Ideas Trust, Tim Campbell.

Speaking at the launch of the scheme, Campbell said: “We know that to help with the economic prosperity of the capital we need to support aspiring small business owners in every way we can as they will be the driving force behind any recovery.

“There is growing amount of evidence we see here at the Bright Ideas Trust that the high cost of accommodation in London is deterring new entrepreneurs and with the Mayor’s support of this website we hope that we can get rid of one of the obstacles.”

For more information on the scheme visit www.londonnewenterprise.co.uk

© Crimson Business Ltd. 2010