A BUSINESS incubation centre is doing a roaring trade despite the on-going recession.

Torbay Innovation Centre is enjoying an almost 100 per cent occupancy rate at its three centres in Torquay, Paignton and Ivybridge.

Bosses at the centre said young start-up businesses had flocked to the three venues.

Angela George, marketing and event manager at Torbay Innovation Centre and a director of IMS Marketing Ltd for the past 10 years, said the Lymington Road centre in Torquay has a 97 per cent occupancy rate with 28 out of 29 units now taken while Paignton has more than 75 per cent occupancy out of a total of 12 offices and 26 desk spaces.

Mrs George said: "There has been tremendous demand for the innovation centres.

"Compared to other innovation centres throughout the UK, who are experiencing an average of 75 per cent occupancy, this result in such a short time is fantastic."

The centre's job is to help businesses in South Devon grow through offering physical office or desk space from as little as £125 a month as well as providing business advice, networking, mentoring and specialist training.

There is a wide variety of businesses in the centres including an engineering consultancy, domestic and industrial cleaning company, design agency, letting agency, accountants, solicitors, recruitment specialists, language centre, relocation company and a new online pharmacy to name but a few.

Mrs George added: "Informal networking has a vital part to play in the business process.

"People do business with people they like, and unless you put yourself in a position to meet local companies, you may miss out, not only on specific business opportunities, but also on general advice about business issues, customers, suppliers or industry news."

The Lymington Road Innovation Centre in Torquay has only been open for six months.

Torbay Council recently earmarked £500,000 to support a third phase expansion.

Dan van Kuyk from Better Clean Services is one of the businesses at the centre.

He said: "The support we have had from the centre is great, regular business advice, networking opportunities and an extremely professional office environment."