A new hub supporting women in business has been launched in Airdrie.

North Lanarkshire Council is the first local authority in the country to offer a dedicated workspace for female-led, start-up businesses.

The Hive will encourage female entrepreneurs to create and grow their own businesses in the area.

Glasgow Times: The office will have private meeting roomsThe office will have private meeting rooms (Image: Newsquest)

It will offer desks, offices, meeting rooms, treatment rooms, as well as on-site business advice, events, and networking opportunities.

This project is supported by funding from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund and the Scottish Government Pathways Pre-Start Fund.

Caroline Brown works for the North Lanarkshire Council enterprise team and was involved in developing The Hive.

Glasgow Times: The office will be avaliable for any women starting up their business or looking for their first premises The office will be avaliable for any women starting up their business or looking for their first premises (Image: Sourced)

She spoke to the Glasgow Times about the new centre saying: “We have a mix of facilities like hot desks, offices, meeting rooms, beauty rooms, and treatment areas.

“Women can come in and use this space for free until August, then it will be a low cost subsidised payment model.

“There are also plans to provide business support for women on a one to one level.

“We have been delighted with the incredible response to launching this space.

“We were blown away with the amount of people who have gotten in touch. So far there are around 200 women interested in using it.

“Any women run business is welcome, as long as you are over 18 and don’t have another business premises set up.

“We can help start ups so they can get clients established and build up their brand.”