FREE seminars for new businesses and people considering starting a business are being held at the Summit Centre, Kirkby.

They have been organised by The Entrepreneurs’ Forum, which has been developed by the Ashfield and Mansfield Regeneration Shared Service to share ideas, provide support and encourage inter-trading.

The sessions are delivered by expert speakers and are funded by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF).

The seminars were launched with a presentation by award-winning PR professional Graham Parker on how social media can help businesses.

Future sessions include:

Thursday, 15th May 7.30am – Creative thinking and problem solving with Amanda Pearce-Burton.

Thursday, 17th July 12noon – The art of being brilliant with Tony Seymour.

Thursday, 18th September 7.30am – Taking customer meetings from good to great with Charles Barnascone.

Thursday 6th November 5.30pm – Marketing with a passion with Lindsey Newman-Wood.

The two-hour workshops start with a 30-minute breakfast, lunch or buffet tea and are followed by a networking session.

The Forum provides advice, support and information on a wide range of issues facing businesses, as well as a one-to-one mentoring support, which helps business owners to increase their business knowledge, self-awareness and confidence.

Coun Kate Allsop, portfolio holder for regeneration at Mansfield District Council, said: “The programme of seminars for 2014 aims to address some important current issues and challenges. These seminars provide the ideal opportunity for people who have just started their own business, or those thinking about starting a business, to meet and learn from others in a similar situation.”

Coun Jim Aspinall, portfolio holder for prosperity at Ashfield District Council, added: “The Entrepreneurs’ Forum provides invaluable support to local businesses through a variety of methods, including these seminars.

“The events provide an excellent way of bringing together like-minded people and industry experts to enable the sharing of knowledge and skills that go a long way towards helping a business succeed.”

To reserve a place at a session, call the Ashfield and Mansfield Shared Regeneration Team on 01623 463 165 or email [email protected]