A SERIES of one-day exhibitions to help budding entrepreneurs get started in business will be launched next week.

The Getting Started exhibitions will begin at Macmillan College in Middlesbrough on Saturday then run on consecutive Saturdays.

They are designed to offer advice and assistance.

Representatives from the five borough councils of the Tees Valley, with Business Link and UK Steel Enterprise have teamed up for the campaign.

A number of companies and business support agencies will be exhibiting at each of the five events.

Malcolm Taylor, chief executive of Business Link Tees Valley, said: "Helping people into business is the key to the future success of the Tees Valley, especially with so much talent in the area.

"These events will help those with the desire to take the next positive steps."

Nick Johnson, regional executive for UK Steel Enterprise, said: "Attracting or starting a new business is an important element to the regeneration of the Tees Valley.

"We are pleased to support the Getting Started exhibition which will enable people to obtain professional advice towards becoming self-employed."

The exhibitions will be accompanied by free seminars, covering topics including grant and loan schemes, franchising and financing your business.

Future exhibitions include Redcar and Cleveland College, Redcar (February 23); Carmel College, Darlington (March 2); and Hartlepool FE College, Hartlepool (March 9).

An event in Stockton will be held on September 14.

All events start at 10am and run until 3pm.

For details, contact Hilary Dunne on (01325) 480891.