SERVICED offices are available for the first time at Knowsley Industrial Park, near Kirkby.

Knowsley Development Trust (KDT) has launched the development at its North Mersey Business Centre operation, in Woodward Road.

The furnished offices – from 130 sq ft to 200 sq ft – are designed for up to two or four people and come complete with personalised telephone number, broadband and a reception service.

Tenants also benefit from 24-hour access and free parking.

KDT says a major advantage for occupiers is the availability of free on-site business support.

Over the last 21 years, the organisation has advised over 2,000 businesses who have gone on to create more than 5,000 jobs.

As well as the serviced offices, KDT has also introduced a “virtual office product” at the centre.

This includes a registered postal address at the Earl of Derby Complex, mail redirection, personalised telephone number, phone answering and a reception service.

A range of meeting rooms are also available for hire and shared office space can be rented on a hot desk basis as required.

KDT chief executive Steve Dumbell said: “Our aim in launching these products for micro companies is to be able to cater for businesses at every stage in their development.

“It will now be feasible for a new entrepreneur to start here with a virtual office, move on to a serviced office and then in time rent one of our larger suites as they expand.”

North Mersey Business Centre is currently home to around 100 companies employing more than 750 people. The success of the scheme has resulted in KDT winning a string of major awards, most notably the prestigious Queen’s Award.