Gwen Rhys is a business consultant for top firms in London and this month she opened a venture called 'space' in the centre of Brackley.

The property, on the south side of Market Place, had been home to an independent furniture business for many years.

So when Miss Rhys moved into the upper floors last July, she retained the planning consent for business use of the shop front and created a 17ft x 21ft space for exhibitions, meetings or social gatherings.

Alan Smith, managing director of Manor Road-based Global Mapping, agreed to show how the venue could be used.

He said: "I loved it. We are launching the world's largest atlas later this year and when I saw it I knew it would go perfectly with what we are planning."

Mr Smith added: "Also I think Brackley needs to position itself as a niche venue for business within the region and space fits with this nicely."

At the beginning of September members of Brackley Mean Business enjoyed a glass of wine and canapes during a preview event.

Geoff Langston, BMB chairman said: "We're delighted to see a new venture in the town centre because we are constantly looking for new and innovative businesses that will both keep people in the town and attract business and customers from outside the town."

Miss Rhys will be linking future events at space with town festivals and is already planning an exhibition on the history of brewing in Brackley to coincide with next year's Beer Festival.

If you have information about brewing in Brackley, or want to find out more about space visit www.space-brackley.co.uk