A £350,000 refurbishment scheme on 20 business starter units has been completed by Horsham District Council.

The units are on the Blatchford Close Industrial Estate.

First to move into one was Hearing Electronics, which employs three staff and manufactures ear pieces for hearing protection and other uses.

Councillor Roger Paterson, cabinet member for economic development and regeneration, said: "Small business ventures are the backbone of Horsham district's economy.

"The estate has been refurbished to a high standard to provide affordable accommodation for small and starter businesses who often find it difficult to find good quality and reasonably-

priced, small units.

"Not only is this modernisation designed to help existing tenants, who have been able to remain working throughout the time work has been carried out, but provide a future home many promising new businesses providing valuable opportunities for residents."

Electronic Hearing managing director George Ormerod said he had chosen the premises after a long search for a site, suitable a small start-up business, with good transport links.

He praised the high quality of the refurbishment carried out by the council.

More information about business starter units available from the council's property and valuation section on 01403 215484.