BUSINESS owners in three towns can take part in a free event designed to give their enterprise a boost.

Bishop Auckland MP Helen Goodman has teamed up with a technology company to organise the breakfast session next week.

The morning will include free advice on promoting businesses to more potential customers and will give attendees the tools they need to accept card payments.

It will be held at Bishop Auckland Town Hall on Monday, April 8 from 8.30am to 10.30am and is open to businesses in Bishop Auckland, Shildon and Spennymoor.

There will be a free 30 minute training session on digital marketing and presentations by businesspeople about how accepting card payments with Square has helped their businesses grow.

Sam and Chris Barrons, owners of Man Cave Barbershop in Bishop Auckland, signed up to Square recently.

They said: "It was really easy to set-up and our customers are very pleased to be able to now pay by card.

"Not only does it keep our regulars happy but we can now track our sales and make sure we’re prepared for busier times of the day.”

Those who sign up to Square– so they can take Android Pay, Apple Pay, contactless and chip and PIN payments– will get a free card reader and charging dock worth £48 and free processing credit for their first £1,000 of transactions.

Ms Goodman said: “So far, over 40 local businesses have signed up to this scheme and I have heard some really positive feedback.

"I’d encourage anyone thinking about introducing card payments to come along to the event and find out more.”

Melinda Roylett, from Square, said: “We are delighted to partner with Bishop Auckland and the surrounding areas to give independent businesses access to technology easily, quickly and affordably in order to thrive. Whether you have a traditional brick-and-mortar shop or a mobile business, being able to take card payments is crucial as consumers increasingly carry less cash.”

The scheme is open to all businesses based in Bishop Auckland, Shildon and Spennymoor postcode. To register for the free event visit eventbrite.co.uk/e/square-digital-breakfast-bishop-auckland-registration-59169252828