CREATIVE entrepreneurs are being offered offices at a new innovation centre in Banbury, writes Maggie Hartford.

The first phase of the Colin Sanders Innovation Centre, named after the founder of Solid State Logic at Begbroke, is now completed and open for business.

Mr Sanders, who created a flourishing business producing music systems for recording studios, died in a helicopter crash two years ago. A charity set up in his memory, the Souldern Trust, has given a donation to help launch the centre.

One of eight centres managed by Oxford Innovation, it is housed in a North Oxfordshire College building which has been refurbished by Baldwin Construction.

The first occupier is i-vision, a company set up by the college, with a TV studio and multimedia centre available for hire. Media lecturer Simon Franklin Thomson will manage the studio, offering expert advice and professional training as well as producing videos, CDs etc.

Centre manager Michele Lee said: "We are looking for hi-tech, high-growth businesses software, IT, knowledge-based, digital media and creative businesses, to create a community of like-minded entrepreneurs, individuals and companies."

The fledgling companies businesses will be able to look professional immediately, sharing a receptionist, switchboard, telephone, fax and high-speed transmission lines, conference and meeting rooms, presentation equipment, a video-conferencing system, a common room with newspapers and kitchen.

Included in the licence are rent, building maintenance and insurance, heating, lighting and business rates, reception, electronic access control and cleaning of common areas, with a car park for tenants and visitors. Practical help with issues such as finance and finding strategic partners is also offered.

Offices ranging in size from 60 to 2,000 sq ft are available at a few hours notice.

For details contact Michele Lee on 01295 817600 email: michele.lee@oxfordinnovation.co.uk