A business-boosting enterprise centre for Somerset has taken a great leap forward with work now underway at the site in Wells.

Work has started on the centre in Cathedral Park, Wells. It will offer two larger offices, ten smaller offices and two meeting rooms as well as five 50 square metre industrial units.

The aim is for the centre – which is costing in the region of £2 million – to be open next spring, bringing the total number of centres in the Somerset network up to seven.

Enterprise centres aim to provide modern, accessible space for small and growing businesses – something that can be hard to find in rural areas.

They offer flexible tenancies, superfast broadband, business networking, access to business support and competitive rents.

The project is being built by the Kier construction group, jointly funded by Somerset County Council, the European Regional Development Fund and the Government's Local Growth Fund through the Heart of the South West Local Enterprise Partnership and Somerset.

Councillor David Hall, Somerset Cabinet member for economy and inward investment, said: "Small and medium-sized businesses are the heartbeat of Somerset's economy and a thriving economy, jobs and prosperity are critical to its long-term future.

"Investment like this will improve lives in our communities and I'm delighted to see these centres moving forward, thanks to the funding we've been able to provide and that which we've helped lever in from elsewhere."

Somerset already has centres in Highbridge, Dulverton, Frome, Wheddon Cross and Minehead. They are operated on behalf of the county council by TDA, while another new one is being built in Wiveliscombe.

Steve Hindley, chair of the Heart of the South West LEP, said: "I'm delighted to see work beginning on the new enterprise centres which have been partly funded by our Growth Deal with Government.

"By providing small businesses with access to flexible, high tech workspaces and a range of business services, enterprise centres deliver a significant boost to the local economy.

"Supporting these businesses promotes opportunities for growth and development and will increase employment opportunities within the area."