THE doors are set to open for a new business advice surgery this weekend, aimed at business people who can't spare the time in the week to seek help.

The weekly surgeries are taking place at Tedco Business Works in South Shields on Saturday mornings, and will be staffed by advisor Andy Airlie.

The sessions are aimed at people who are working full time, but want to start their own business, or people already in business who need more advice about a new venture.

Andy runs his own business, Doktor Czech, which helps eastern European companies to market themselves in the UK.

He said: "There are many people planning starting a business from their desk at work but not really knowing where to go to make the next step and have the time to actually do anything about it."

The surgeries have been organised through The Tyneside Economic Development Company (Tedco).

The centre's business support manager, Carole White, said: "In this area people can sometimes equate starting a business with the unemployed.

"While we do target these people there is also a number of ways in which we can help existing businesses to grow, and provide back-up and support to employed people looking to start new ventures."

The surgeries take place on Saturdays between 9.30am and 12.30pm, on an appointment basis. To make an appointment contact the business support team at Tedco on 0191-428 3400.