Ref. 75927-02 Maureen Harvey welcomes Swindon mayor Peter Stoddart to BSS HouseThe Prince of Wales sent a special message to Swindon's BSS House in Cheney Manor to celebrate the centre's 20th anniversary.

The Prince, who has given countless small businesses a leg up across the country through the Prince's Trust, said he was "delighted" and "grateful" for all the help BSS has given over the years.

"Over the last two decades you have clearly done a great deal to support the small business sector in Swindon and have enabled a whole army of entrepreneurs to turn their business ideas into reality and to make a significant contribution to their local economy," he said.

"I am particularly delighted that BSS House has been home to many Prince's Trust business start-ups and could not be more grateful to you for the support which you have given, and continue to give, these young people in the crucial, early days of their operations."

BSS House is home to a caf, nail studio, furniture store, taxi firm, computer stores, vehicle servicing, taxi company, stone suppliers and a multiple sclerosis therapy unit.

BSS's general manager Maureen Harvey has been with the company since day one, when she helped founder Michael Metcalf clear the brambles from the former Triumph International site in Cheney Manor on a cold wintry day in January 1985.

"This is a celebration of business and what can be achieved," she said.

"Our aim 20 years ago to offer tailor-made packages on short, automatically renewable licences for a minimum of six months with fees paid monthly to ease cash flow still works today. And what we have created is not just a great business environment but a business community where you are really looked after."

Other goodwill messages arrived for the special anniversary reception and luncheon with guest of honour Swindon mayor Peter Stoddart.

Coun Stoddart said: "BSS House started 20 years ago not long after the railway works closed. It helped the expansion that came about because all the skills came out into other areas. BSS was there ready to offer small leases and flexible terms," he said.

"Small businesses are very important for Swindon. We have the big players but the small players are crucial."

Nigel Griffiths MP, Small Business minister, also sent a message. "I would like to congratulate BSS on completing 20 years of business providing small businesses with the support and service they need to grow and prosper.

"The Government acknowledges the need for established organisations like yourselves to lead the way in supporting the UK's growing small businesses to ensure that the UK continues to be the best place in the world to start and grow a business," he said.

Offices workshops, warehouses and industrial facilities range from 1,100 sq feet to 5,000 sq feet, and the support on hand includes secretarial services, business consultancy, copiers, faxes and waste disposal and cleaning.

There is also a BSS site on the old Spitfire factory at South Marston with offices and industrial units.