MALVERN Hills District Council has joined forces with local estate agents to help businesses wanting to move into the area.

The council's vacant property register contains information on all industrial, retail, office and commercial premises available in the area.

Adrian Field, MHDC's economic development and marketing officer, said: "The idea is that it is a sort of one-stop shop for businesses which are hoping to relocate or expand in the district.

"The estate agents tell us what is available for sale or to rent, and then when a business comes to us, we can show them the whole range of what's available, and if there is something suitable, they can then contact the relevant estate agent."

He said the register contains approximately 50 properties at the moment, but it is changed on a daily basis.

"It's no use having it updated quarterly or monthly, because things change so quickly, so it is updated daily," he said.

"And if a business contacts us and we cannot offer them what they are looking for, we keep their name on file, because the ideal thing for them may come on the market later."

He said the register would prove extremely useful to businesses of every size, from small operations hoping to move into their first office to major firms wanting to relocate.

And it includes everything from shops, and offices to factories and warehouses, as well as land which could be available for commercial development.

The scheme has been welcomed by the Chamber of Commerce for Herefordshire and Worcestershire.

Spokesman Peter Morgan said: "If it saves businesses some time and money, then it has to be a good idea."

Firms looking for a copy of the register can contact the council on 01684 862361 or e-mail on adrian.field@malvernhills.gov.uk.