Work is progressing well on a new Enterprise Zone at City College Norwich (CCN) which aims to help budding entrepreneurs learn about how to set up their own businesses in an increasingly competitive environment.

It is thought it will be the first centre of its kind in the country, and it is part of an enterprise project which CCN is working on with North Herts College, Gateshead College and Walsall College.

Builders are now on site at the Ipswich Road college and the plan is that the building work should be completed by the end of October and the centre should be launched in the autumn.

Firms such as Barclays, Grant Thornton and Mills and Reeve are involved in the Enterprise Zone, and CCN principal Dick Palmer said the college had had a really good response from many other organisations too.

He urged businesses and entrepreneurs interested in getting involved in the project to get in touch.

'We want as many people to get engaged with the Enterprise Zone as we can. It would be great to hear from any entrepreneurs and businesses willing to give up their time to help the students,' he said.

'The whole idea is to give people the opportunity to investigate what setting up your own business and being self-employed is all about.' Among other things, the Enterprise Zone will give people the chance to explore if there is a gap in the market for their ideas, pitch their ideas in a Dragons' Den-style environment and get feedback from employers, and take part in business seminars.

The Enterprise Zone will have two resident entrepreneurs to offer help and advice to students and there is also going to be a student-run cafe.

Any businesses wanting to get involved in the Enterprise Zone or any students interested in finding out more about the zone should email Mr Palmer at principal@ccn.ac.uk

Are you setting an unusual business in Norwich? Call reporter Emma Knights on 01603 772428 or email emma.knights@archant.co.uk