The Guernsey Business Centre’s idea will allow them to concentrate on their work by providing full support in the form of reception, telephone and postal services. It has been set up by Firstcall Recruitment, which wanted to maximise its office and staff.

‘We also had quite a lot of people asking to use our meeting rooms for interviews. I have used similar facilities overseas and knew there was nothing like it here,’ said marketing executive Julie Fisher.

Clients pay a monthly fee for the service, which includes post-holding, reception, telephone answering and a message-taking service.

An experienced on-site team can provide extra secretarial and administration support such as copy and audio typing – charged at an hourly rate.

‘This means the one-man business is only paying for additional staff as and when the workload demands a pair of extra hands,’ said Ms Fisher.

Internet access, couriers, photocopying, binding and faxing are also available at an additional cost, as are private meeting rooms.

‘For businesses starting up, our services could be the answer while they are seeking the right location and space,’ she said.

‘While out searching for the right property, clients can feel assured that we will be behind them, providing administrative support and a professional service to potential new clients.’

She said that the service would take away the expense and other other issues associated with employing staff.

Companies setting up a base in Guernsey could also use the service while developing a client base.

The centre is open all day on weekdays and between nine and midday on Saturdays.