A BUSINESS start-up centre is bucking the trend by achieving capacity only nine months after opening.

The Innovation Centre, Shadsworth, Blackburn, is part of the £25million Evolution Park and was designed to accommodate local businesses.

In addition to Blackburn with Darwen PCT and Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council, smaller suites have been taken up by companies including management consultancy Alchemy Business Acceleration, Blue Door Solutions and Circino Flight Systems.

Richard Bakes, development manager at St Modwen, which runs the site, said: “To secure full occupancy of a scheme of this size in such a short space of time in a good market is great, but to deliver these results in the current economy is incredible.”

Carl Allen, managing director of Alchemy Business Acceleration, also praised the site and what it had to offer firms in the credit crunch.

He said: “The centre provides an extremely cost effective solution for start-up businesses. It provides friendly admin support, meeting facilities and serviced offices all built into the cost. I have already seen a saving of around £10,000 a year, which has made an impact on my profits.”

The site was opened last year by Blackburn MP Jack Straw.

Stephen Sloss, director of adult social services for Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council, added: "We are pleased to be in modern high quality surroundings where we will be in a great position to work with our partners in the NHS.

“The facilities also ensure that we will gain significant levels of workforce mobility and deliver a better service to people across the borough."