A new range of women-only business skills courses has been launched by the University of Bath in Swindon.

The courses provide a supportive environment for women to learn and develop business skills, plus free crèche facilities for women's daytime courses and bursaries for students on the Women into Enterprise course who receive benefits.

Courses will run weekly from October at the university's Oakfield campus.

The accredited courses cover a range of topics vital to the success of small and medium sized businesses, including Basic Computer Skills for Business, Finance Matters, Leadership and Management Skills and Sales Matters.

The university will also continue to offer its Women into Enterprise course which has helped over 200 women to set up businesses, ranging from jewellery-making to hypnotherapy to accounting and gardening.

The focus is on practical, hands-on learning that can be taken straight back to the workplace.

All course tutors run their own successful businesses, with first-hand experience of the challenges and demands of being in business.

Rachael Selley, programme manager of Professional and Community Development at the university, said: "Sometimes people find the university setting a bit daunting but the reality is that it is very down to earth.

"Anybody can do the courses. They are practical and supportive and designed to enable women to learn and build confidence together.

"As well as giving training in the latest and best of business skills, the courses are an opportunity for networking and learning from other people's experiences."

The women-only courses are part of an extensive new programme of professional development courses open to all.

For more information about the courses www.hubub.org or call 01793 328775.

The University of Bath in Swindon's Oakfield campus opened in 2000 and offers a range of learning opportunities including business education, evening classes and courses leading to a range of undergraduate programmes.

The university's many business initiatives, including the Innovation Centre, the Enterprise Gateway and the Women into Enterprise scheme, help to support the Swindon economy.