THE chief executive of an £18m Manchester venture which aims to help fledgling businesses is to step down after three years, it was announced today.

Professor David Auckland, 60, has been the driving force behind One Central Park in Newton Heath, which has supported 80 companies since it opened.

A search is under way for a full-time successor to Prof Auckland, who plans to devote his time to a venture he operates from his home in Congleton advising businesses on innovation.

He has served as part-time CEO at One Central Park, which he described as a `hidden gem'.

Confirming his plans to step down, he said One Central Park was proving a sustainable, successful model which had inspired similar schemes in other towns and cities nationwide. Chairman Tom Booth is also bowing out.

Forty firms are currently based at One Central Park, with a combined turnover of £5m and 120 staff.

The four-storey complex was established by Greater Manchester universities, MANCAT and the city's Science Park to stimulate the creation and growth of new businesses and to act as an economic catalyst for the area. As well as providing support and a base for SMEs, it has facilities for conferences, training and seminars and is used by people from the community.

Companies based there include Winning Pitch, which is listed on the PLUS market, the Taxi Academy, which runs evening classes for would-be cabbies, and decorative tiles and mosaics designer and distributor Sinter Studio, headed by former Co-operative Group accountant Andrew Sills.

Others include Smart Plan, a software design business, and Tree2MyDoor, an online retailer.

Mr Sills said today: "I had an urge to work for myself and chose to base the business at One Central Park because I thought it would be good to work alongside other entrepreneurs.

"People here have different skills and there is a good deal of knowledge-sharing, which is extremely helpful. That was the key to coming here - the range of skills available among the entrepreneurs operating here."

He established Sinter Studio in 2006 and supplies 60 shops, selling imported tiles and mosaics for use in homes, restaurants, bars and apartments.

Prof Auckland, the son of a vicar and a probation officer, trained as a marine engineer but moved into the entrepreneurial arena before forging plans for One Central Park.

"I am very much into advising companies on ideas and innovation, and want to devote more time to my business, Innovation Labs, before I retire," he said today.

"I have been spending two days a week as chief executive at One Central Park, and what it needs now is a full-time CEO to take it further. It's a hidden gem but it is growing up.

"Some companies have failed, but others have moved on to larger premises. We have been full for the past few months."

He urged would-be entrepreneurs not to be put off by the economic downturn and credit crunch.

"You have to be committed and hard working - setting up a business requires a lot of guts and sacrifice, but I get a real buzz from seeing people make a go of it," he added.

"People need to be inclusive and use the skills of the people around them, as they look to get established. They should also ensure they get good advice and mentoring."