AS the mass jobs market shrinks under the onslaught of the worst recession in 80 years the brave new economic world will include many more small flexible businesses.

Thousands of redundant workers are using their pay-offs to set up on their own but understandably they want to keep start-up costs as low as possible.

Taking advantage of the boom in small businesses is Evans Easyspace which has spent £1.3 million on refurbishing the empty former Yates Wine Lodge HQ into small work units.

The company says it offers small start-up businesses cost effective and flexible office space allowing them to calculate their precise monthly costs.

The former Yates Wine Lodge HQ on Manchester Road has been transformed into smart office units, workshops and storage units.

Evans Easyspace is currently putting the finishing touches to the refurbishment project which will provide space for more than 60 small businesses.

Centre manager Sue Sheffield said: “Work has continued this year to create a fantastic new facility, with work undertaken by contractor CBM.

“We have 49 executive offices in the centre — a quarter of which have already been taken by clients — plus 12 workshops and there’s café premises also available.”

Mrs Sheffield says that there has already been a great deal of interest in the centre, which provides easy-in, easy-out space for businesses of all types and sizes.

Both executive offices and workshops are available in a range of sizes, plus the on-site café is available to let.

Self-storage facilities for domestic and commercial use and purpose-built workshops are now ready and will be available for occupancy from the beginning of January.

There is a reception staffed during office hours with key fob entry to the building 24/7 for those who need it.

For businesses to move in the centre only needs two months advance rent and two months notice if they want to leave.

Offices from 120 sq ft to 580 sq ft can be either fully furnished or empty and cabling for phones and computers can be installed to suit each office layout.

All lighting, heating, business rates and cleaning is included in the monthly rent which varies depending on the size. There is plenty of car parking space for all the businesses and for visitors.

Ian Frostwick, Evans Easyspace operations director, believes the centre will be welcomed by businesses in Bolton: “We have more than 50 Evans Business Centres around the country and we are experiencing high levels of interest, because the uncertain economic climate makes our flexible space even more attractive.”

Businesses can contact Susan Sheffield on 07827 340944 for information, or speak to agent Nick Swift on 01204 522275.