Samll business starters in Watton got the chance to discuss their plans with business advisers at a event held at Wayland House. From left, Business Adviser Richard Voisey takes to professional musician Kevin Chilvers about his ideas. Picture: Matthew Usher.

Fledgling businesses in Breckland are being given the chance to thrive with free help and advice offered over the next 10 months.

Samll business starters in Watton got the chance to discuss their plans with business advisers at a event held at Wayland House. Breckland Deputy leader Michael Wassell chats to a event visitors. Picture: Matthew Usher.

Breckland Council and the Norfolk and Waveney Enterprise Services (NWES) have teamed up to provide business support activities across the market towns of Attleborough, Dereham, Swaffham, Thetford and Watton.

Guidance on starting a business, developing key ideas in a series of workshops, weekly advice surgeries, and mentoring are all available as part of the Enterprise Norfolk business support programme.

The first in the series of events was held in Watton, and centred on business awareness for those thinking about starting a business or in the early stages of growing one.

The awareness session, which will be repeated in the other towns, featured advise from a solicitor, an accountant and an NWES Adviser, as well as a presentation on tips to consider when starting a business and a chance to network

Mark Bunning from Watton started his own photography business 15 months ago and said the awareness event at Wayland House in Watton gave him a strong idea of what is needed for a business to continue to grow.

He said: “I wanted to see what support was available and also to learn about other areas of business like social media and the opportunities for mentoring.

“I wanted to come to an event like this to see what I can learn, and also to see what I have been doing wrong.”

Deputy leader of Breckland Council Michael Wassell said the programme will give businesses an opportunity to grow, and in turn help Breckland to get out of the economic recession.

Richard Voisey, NWES business adviser working in Breckland said: “We are able to provide tips on topics such as marketing, increasing profit and how best to access finance.

“The experience on hand means that we can provide experienced insight on so many business issues.”