A "dating agency for homes" is the latest innovation to come out of Coventry University Technology Park.

Online matchmaker Swap Homes, which was launched earlier this year, is targeting private homeowners and estate agents in the West Midlands who are looking to speed up the sale of their property.

It is the brainchild of Coventry man Peter Cooke, a financial advisor who spotted a need to remove the restrictions caused by chains and lack of first-time buyers.

Customers can now regis-ter their property on Swap Homes simply by filling out a form about their requirements. The website then searches for suitable swaps and sends an email to both vendor and estate agency.

"I've arranged many mortgages and witnessed my clients' frustrations from property transactions and I just wanted to make moving home a speedier and more enjoyable experience," said Mr Cooke.

"Ironically the first swap we made was an estate agent selling her own house - it's all about putting people in touch with others who are in a similar position."

To help Swap Homes during its initial development, Mr Cooker has signed up to Coventry University Enterprises' 4front scheme - a virtual business service designed for growing companies that may not need a full office but do require a base in the region.

"When you are a new business, finding quality office accommodation is difficult," he said.

"Big landlords are generally not interesting in small companies and the 4front package is just what we need at this stage of our growth."

As part of 4front companies can use the Technology Park address for business cards and letterheads, benefit from a mail receipt and telephone answering service and the use of meeting rooms.

"I work from home most of the time but it's great to bring clients here - there is a slight wow factor when you come in. I've also got the option of taking up space as we expand," Mr Cooke added.

As a further support facility, he has also joined the university's business start-up programme, called Vision Works.

Around 4,000 people have registered with Swap Homes nationwide, but Mr Cooke is keen to establish the company in the West Midlands.

"We're currently negotiating with a number of independent estate agents and our immediate priority is to consolidate our positionhere," he said.

"However, in five years' time, we want ten per cent of the country's estate agents to be using Swap Homes."

* More information about Swap Homes can be found at www.swap-homes.com