NEW and home-based small businesses in Suffolk Coastal have been challenged to come up with expansion plans and win six months free let in a prestige business park.

NEW and home-based small businesses in Suffolk Coastal have been challenged to come up with expansion plans and win six months free let in a prestige business park.

The winner of the competition which is running over the Christmas break, will get a 600 square foot unit at Bristol Court on the Martlesham Heath Business Park with no bills to pay for rent, rates, heating, lighting and building insurance for half a year.

And there will be free expert advice on setting up in business and marketing as well as a possible grant from the council's Business Expansion Grant Scheme which has £3,000 earmarked for an applicant meeting their criteria.

"Suffolk Coast is supporting this perfect opportunity for a local small enterprise to turn their Christmas dreams into New Year reality," said Nigel Barratt, councillor and cabinet member for economic development. "I hope as many as possible will take the chance to draw up plans that could turn into a real success story."

The competition is open to any new start-up enterprise or an established business currently running from home.

Entrants have to draw up a formal business plan covering the next two years. Help can be found in the entry pack which outlines what the judges are looking for.

The competition is organised by flexilet, part of Saville Gordon Estates who are behind the 19-unit Bristol Court development, and supported by Barclays Bank, Bidwells, Business Link and Suffolk Coastal, all of whom are on the judging panel.

For an information pack, contact Liz O'Neill on 0800 731 1036. Completed business plans must be returned by Friday, January 11, next year.