Merton’s hottest business brains have promised to energise the borough’s economy with a new support service.

Merton Means Business (MMB), which is funded by Merton Council and managed by the borough’s chamber of commerce, will give a helping hand to existing businesses and budding entrepreneurs.

It was launched last week at the Generator Business Centre in Mitcham, which provides office space and industrial units for young companies at reduced prices.

A council spokesman said the chamber would turn the centre in Miles Road into a business hub, and offer its “invaluable expertise” to the borough’s existing businesses and budding entrepreneurs. The chamber has won a two-year contract to provide the service.

MMB will offer companies and individuals a help desk, advice service and a library of training and advice material. The organisation will also run seminars, workshops and an outreach service targeting struggling businesses.

Diana Sterck, chief executive of Merton Chamber of Commerce, said: "We are delighted to launch the MMB service from the Generator Business Centre. Our aspiration is to create a knowledge and activity hub offering a range of services for all types of businesses and at all stages of development."

A council spokesman said 35 bidders had shown an interest in running the new organisation. Councillor Diane Neil Mills, the council’s cabinet member for finance and regeneration, added: “Our new MMB service, as well as the council's forthcoming economic development strategy, will provide the ability for Merton's local economy to be further developed."

Case Study

One entrepreneur already taking advantage of the Generator Business Centre said getting the right support was vital for a start-up company to succeed.

Paolo Moresco, the founder of Saggiolo Luxury Foods, has worked as a chef in Britain since 1994. The Italian said he recently spotted a gap in the British food market for quality shellfish from his home country, and with a business partner decided to launch his own business supplying restaurants in London.

Mr Moresco said there were big advantages to renting office space at their current home. He said: “You need flexibility in terms of the lease and rates. Other landlords want to tie the business in for three to five years.”

He added: “It’s an extremely good thing for small businesses.”