ENTERPRISE First is the new name for a business support agency which has a base in Basingstoke.

The agency brings together the Blackwater Enterprise Trust, the former BANDEC, and an expanded area into west Surrey and south Berkshire under one umbrella, headed up by chief executive John Mitchell.

The official launch, by Mary Fagan, the Lord Lieutenant of Hampshire, was staged this week at the Hampshire Centrecourt Hotel in Chineham - close to the Business Support offices of Basingstoke council, where Enterprise First has a desk run by adviser David Lewis.

Mr Mitchell said: "Basingstoke is a great place to start a business. The local economy is thriving and people and businesses are moving. It is a growing area."

Enterprise First gives help and advice to people wanting to start up a new business, or those wanting to acquire a business venture or set up a franchise, through a series of "Be Your Own Boss" workshops, training programmes and one-to-one mentoring.

The agency expects to help about 2,500 clients this year.

Michael Church, chairman of Enterprise First, said: "Today we meet with 2,500 clients in 11 locations through north Hampshire, west Surrey and south Berkshire.

"During the past 12 months, we have expanded our programme with an awareness workshop, which is becoming a popular first step for those people considering starting a business. The year has also seen a 50 per cent increase in enquiries from women, and we will be developing new services to meet their needs."

Funding for Enterprise First comes from 10 local authorities and 40 private-sector sponsors, but Mr Church said more financial backing is needed.

He said: "We hope to build on our recent expansion by encouraging support from the wider business community. With this support, we will continue to develop new services to meet the needs of clients and make a significant contribution to the local economy."

Mrs Fagan told an audience of about 100 people: "Enterprise First is a force for good in our community. Hampshire is one of the major business counties in the country and not by accident - we have entrepreneurs."

A presentation on how the support agency can help new businesses was given by Amanda Dane, of Sherfield-on-Loddon, and Kristine Fleet, of Frimley.

The women gave up corporate careers to form Hatch Event Management. They are celebrating their first year working in the field of corporate events, hospitality and wedding co-ordination.

First published: Friday, April 22, 2005