SOUTHAMPTON Enterprise Hub hosted a high-profile visit from the UK Trade and Investment department to discuss start-up options facing hi-tech, hi-growth companies.

Ian Jones, deputy chief executive of UK Trade & Investment, spent a morning at the Southampton Enterprise Hub on Chilworth Science Park as part of a programme of visits to business centres across the Wessex region.

Part of the purpose of the UK Trade and Investment visit was to meet Stephen Davis, the Southampton hub director, and residents of the Chilworth Business Incubator to discover how the hub has helped establish local entrepreneurs from Southampton, Winchester, Eastleigh, Test Valley and the New Forest since it was launched in May 2001.

The Southampton Enterprise Hub is dedicated to promoting economic growth across the Wessex region by supporting local entrepreneurs to help get their businesses up and running.

The hub also provides incubator space for new businesses, links with venture capitalists and access to research sources.

After meeting businesses currently based on the Science Park, Ian said: "Our visit to Southampton Enterprise Hub has given us a great insight into the work being done to support start-up businesses in the region.

I have been particularly impressed by the forward-thinking and proactive approach taken by the enterprise hub to promote economic growth through global trade and investment."