Local business people can sample courses designed to develop their skills, in a series of free workshops at the University of Bath in Swindon to celebrate national Enterprise Week (November 12-18).

Enterprise Week is an annual UK-wide week of activities and events, aimed at inspiring people to have business ideas and make them happen.

The free taster sessions will give an introduction to business skills courses starting in 2008, including a look at how to boost sales; at using creative thinking to drive a business forward; managing people; and taking the fear out of business finance.

The courses are geared to owners and employees of small to medium-sized businesses and individuals who want to progress their skills or explore the idea of starting out on their own.

They are taught as short courses to minimise study time and provide business people with tools and techniques that can be taken straight back to the workplace.

All the tutors are experts in their field who run their own successful small businesses.

The taster sessions will run throughout the week at the Oakfield campus.

To reserve a place please call 01793 328776 or go to the website.

The University is also running a day of events to inspire women into running their own businesses, on Wednesday November 14.