BUSINESS people who have a business idea which could be promoted on the Internet are being encouraged to join a course in east Cleveland.

The foundation degree at Redcar and Cleveland College, in Redcar, helps participants to promote their business locally, nationally and globally using the Internet.

It also develops the business skills associated with any successful small or medium-sized company, as well as self-employed people.

Participants can either focus on business procedures using the Internet, for example marketing and finance, or concentrate on a more technical route, including web design and database systems.

College principal Alan Old said the venture would help make an impact on improving skills and developing the area's workforce.

"It will help the Tees Valley business community achieve their goals with highly trained staff."

For more information on the e-business and e-commerce foundation degree, contact Sandra O'Rourke on (01642) 473132.