Promoting businesses which benefit the community and are not motivated purely by making money, is the philosophy behind a proposal for a new business hub.

St John’s Church, St Johns Road, Seven Kings has raised about £35,000 so far – just £5,000 off their overall target.

Organisers of the project, called the Sophia Hub, want anyone who feels they have skills to offer, to come forward.

Rev Jonathan Evens says he wants to use the teaching of different faith groups to be the foundation of the philosophy of the hub.

“We’ve called it Sophia as this means wisdom in Greek,” he said. “We want to harness the resources of faith communities and their wisdom for the benefit of the local community.”

Rev Evens said he is keen to hear from anyone who wants to become involved with the project whether as a mentor, director or investor.

He said: “People will be able to come who are entrepreneurs or have business ideas to get mentoring and space. At first the project will be based in the church but we want to work across different faith and community groups.”

The hub is a pilot project which organisers hope will be rolled out around the borough.

“We want to encourage social enterprises that will service their community,” Rev Evens said.

“It’s about empowering people in these difficult economic times to do something which will improve the local community whether this is through creating a library or a pub.”

The money raised will be used to finance a project coordinator, training and maintaining the space.

Rev Evens said: “At other business hubs you have to have a clear idea of a business, but anyone can use our hub who wants to make a positive difference to their local community.”

If you would like to get involved visit www.stjohns7kings.org.uk.