Start ups located in south London are benefiting from an inspiring new initiative to provide them with low-cost workspace and business support. The London Youth Support Trust (Lyst), a charity set up four years ago by entrepreneurs involved with the Prince's Trust, set up the Workspace project to help small firms that are struggling to find premises they can afford - something which can be difficult even if they can cover the ongoing rent, as Lyst trustee Rob Whitmore explains:

"Even if they could find suitable space, landlords wanted rent in advance and a deposit, which tied up working capital."

Under the scheme, young, disadvantaged entrepreneurs can get low-rent workspace, as well as advice and support from a full-time business adviser located in the centre. Lyst ultimately hopes to roll out the scheme to other parts of London - perhaps the UK's local authorities should stop focusing on congestion charging and instead consider implementing genuinely helpful initiatives like this.