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UK-based Interserve plc has been awarded a £7 million ($10.64 million) contract to develop a business innovation centre, named as the Future Business Centre in Cambridge for Allia, the UK Social Enterprise Charity.

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To benefit the community and the environment, the 35,000 square feet Future Business Centre is designed as an enterprise hub that will demonstrate the possibilities of combining good business practice with a philanthropic approach. It will support start-up and early stage social and commercial businesses, developing products that result in social or environmental benefits.

The Future Business Centre will feature mixed office and workshop units and open-plan hot-desk space for individuals or organisations who would like to start up or to expand a social or environmental business.

Upon completion, the Future Business Centre will provide easy-in, easy-out terms, on-site business support, co-location with other like-minded organisations, networking facilitated by the design of the building, and shared back-office services and equipment.

The new facility is expected to be completed in October 2013 with the opening planned for the end of 2013.