New range of local courses for small busineses

If you are new to business - and looking to develop your skills and knowledge - then help is at hand in Ipswich.

Menta – The Suffolk Enterprise Agency has teamed up with Ipswich Borough Council to provide a range of courses aimed at new, emerging and existing small businesses in the area.

Between January and June, Menta will be delivering seven subsidised courses for a maximum of 12 people each session, on a variety of subjects including business planning, making the media work for you, Twitter for beginners and how to use Facebook for business.

The courses range in price from free to £30 each.

Impartial, confidential one-to-one business advice sessions will be available, free of charge by appointment, to existing as well as start-up Suffolk businesses.

These can be booked with Menta by calling 0800 085 5090.

The training events and business support will be delivered at Ipswich Borough Council’s business hub, IP-City in Bath Street, off Wherstead Road, Ipswich.

Ip-City is also the location of the Menta Business Club which meets each month with the aim of providing ideas and support to people considering setting up their own business.

Menta’s chief Eeecutive, Alex Till, said the training programme was a good example of collaboration. “Menta and Ipswich Borough Council are committed to supporting local business and encouraging the next generation of entrepreneurs. This is a great way of working together to do just that by giving local small firms the tools to expand and grow their businesses.”

Mr Till added: “Establishing your own business can be a daunting prospect but you’re not alone – Menta can help. Our staff and trainers have the experience and expertise to help you on your way so I’d advise people to take a look at our website and see what we have to offer.”

Councillor Carole Jones, Ipswich Borough Council’s Portfolio-holder for Economic Development said; “We are pleased to be working alongside Menta to help deliver this training programme that provides the opportunity for our local businesses to access the skills they need to expand and prosper.”

Menta is a not-for-profit organisation which has been supporting Suffolk businesses for more than 30 years. It supports pre-start-ups, emerging and existing small businesses across Suffolk with advice, training courses and events.

For more details go to www.menta.org.uk or phone 0800 085 5090