PROFESSIONAL work spaces that small businesses share for meeting clients and collaborating on projects could be set up in Cheddar.

The work hub is the latest initiative proposed by volunteer community group My Cheddar, whose members recently met with a consultant to discuss setting one up.

The work spaces would contain a variety of formal and informal desks and sofas, a kitchen and meeting rooms with audio and visual conferencing and photocopying.

The space could also be used for holding business clinics and meetings.

My Cheddar chairman Mel Clinton said: “The idea came about when we were first formed during discussions of how the area could be improved in the future.

“The reason the hubs pop up in various places is there is a strong trend in people working from home.

“They would provide professional facilities business owners could not justify building for themselves and provide somewhere to go to rub shoulders with other businesses.

“People definitely seem to think the idea has potential, and businesses can really benefit from it. It is still in the early stages, and we want to see if people are interested.”

Stuart Milne has run the company Mendip Energy from his home in Draycott since 2009, and spends much of his time working from home.

He said: “As a small business our costs are limited and I’m not sure I would want to commit myself at the moment to set up my own office and meeting facilities, so if we could share with other businesses that would be great.

“It would be good for networking and nice to have that interaction with other people. It would be fabulous for businesses to have somewhere presentable for our clients to go. But the biggest positive is the shared financial implication.”

Rupert Cox, chief executive of Somerset Chamber of Commerce, said: “Somerset boasts a vibrant business community with companies of all sizes working across a wide range of industries.

“It is always encouraging to hear about new initiatives to increase productivity, offer opportunities for collaboration and help businesses grow.”

For more information or to comment on the idea, visit www.mycheddar.co.uk