The British-Russian Chamber of Commerce has expanded its services for start-up companies here in Russia with the opening of a new business center.


The center increases to 14 from five the number of offices the chamber can rent to businesses seeking temporary or permanent space.


The new facility, on Bolshoi Strochenovksy Pereulok, was officially opened late last week at a ceremony attended by Michael Heseltine, British Secretary for Trade and Industry; Sir Norman Wooding, the chamber's chairman; and other top British company executives.


"We offer annual renewable agreements, but the intention is we start people off", said Anne Vaughan, director of the chamber.


Rental of the offices is limited to


British companies, or British-based subsidiaries. Companies already taking space in the center include Kodak U. K. , Wellcome Foundation, British American Tobacco, Smithkline Beecham and the RTZ Group.


Starting price for an office is $60, 000, but Vaughan said the amount includes more than just office space.


"It's high if you call it rent", she said. The $60, 000 gives renters immediate access to a variety of services that could take months to set up on their own, she said.


Each office, furnished to Western standards, includes an international telex and fax, and satellite telephone. In addition, the center provides access to conference and meeting rooms, catering facilities and translation and secretarial services.


"They are not just paying for the office", Vaughan said. "They are paying for access to everything else".