ENTREPRENEURS, office workers, home workers, and freelancers are celebrating a milestone for Bicester's co-working office concept.

Community office space The Perch opened it doors almost a year ago in Bicester's town centre to help give local businesses, start-ups and home-workers a space to grow.

The 'co-working' concept was something Cherwell District Council hoped to create a flexible working space, where individuals and businesses can share working space but also a site to encourage networking and growth.

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The task to run The Perch, from its base in Pioneer Square, was put to husband and wife team Andy and Vashti Bedwell.

The pair say they have spent the last 12 months working hard to create a space which is professional, business related but also offers a sense of community.

Ms Bedwell said: "By offering flexible packages we have been able to support individual entrepreneurs through to teams who use the space as an alternative to traditional offices.

"We have also been able to create new plans to meet their needs – for example our Freedom 20 pass for people who wanted to use Perch occasionally or just try it without full membership."

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Mr Bedwell added: "We have watched members get to know each other, collaborate and grow their businesses.

"We work hard to create a tangible community within Perch so members can connect with and support each other.

"Many of our members have home-based offices where they are isolated or unproductive - or need to escape young children.

"The Perch has given them a sense of community, someone to talk to if they need a break from work and collaboration with other Perch members to help grow their businesses."

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The pair said there has been a number of success stories in the site's first 12 months including a portrait photographer who pictured the Perch staff.

Now he has been commissioned by more than 20 others from Perch.

The site is made up of desk space, office space and private meeting rooms. It also offers workshops and networking events.

Perch will celebrate the anniversary tonight, and welcomes anyone looking for information to get in touch on 01869 690126 or perchcoworking.co.uk