NEW hi-tech businesses are being nurtured in an 'incubator' centre at University of Wales College, Newport.

The newly refurbished, fully equipped and serviced office space at UWCN's Allt-yr-yn campus is occupied by three start-up businesses, and there is still one place available.

A conference and meeting-room with a 'hot desk' is also available for meeting potential clients.

Performance Bonus was the first business to be given a key to the centre. It specialises in performance management, helping organisations to become more successful by motivating staff and clients with the use of Internet technology.

Managing director David Burton said: "It has proved enormously beneficial for my new business to be based at UWCN.

"The centre has excellent facilities and I am surrounded by experts who are only too happy to provide advice and share their knowledge."

The other companies are Body Check, a health and fitness service managed by Alexandra Wilson, and a software, hardware and web solutions company, IT FINDIT, managed by Mubbisher Ahmed.

The businesses have all received funding from the business help organisation Wales Spinout.

Spinout manager Cheryl Bass said: "Many successful companies have their foundation in research, technology concepts and ideas developed within the higher education sector."

Colin Mitten, chief executive of cash facilitator org-anisation Finance Wales, officially opened the new centre.

"This is an impressive facility which I am sure is going to encourage a whole new generation of high-fliers to reach for the skies," he said. For further information, contact Cheryl Bass on 01633 432489 or e-mail cheryl.bass@spinoutwales.co.uk