WOULD-BE entrepreneurs are to get advice to help them decide if setting up in business is right for them.

Calderdale Council has organised a series of Enterprise Clubs – with free sessions to be held at a variety of locations. The sessions will provide an opportunity for anyone in the district who is considering starting their own business to learn more about self-employment.

The clubs are informal and run on a “drop-in” basis, so visitors can call in at any time during the two-hour period.

Visitors will have the chance to ask questions, take part in discussions, share ideas, make new contacts, receive information on other useful resources and receive expert advice. One-to-one advice can also be arranged free of charge.

Business enterprise officer Eric Binns (pictured) said: “During the sessions, we will typically be discussing key elements of starting a business, such as research techniques, writing a business plan, sales and marketing, finance, networking, social media, legal matters and other topics.

“We are also hoping to invite other local business owners to share their experiences with the group and to invite local experts in finance, marketing etc to offer specialist advice.”

He said: “The objective is not necessarily to encourage people into starting a business, but to make them better informed and more confident so that they can make the decision themselves from the knowledge they have gained.

“As a consequence, some will become self-employed and those that choose not to will have a better understanding of how a business operates which may help them in applying for jobs, during interview discussions and make them potentially more valuable employees and improve their career prospects.”

The Enterprise Clubs will include ones to be held from 1.30pm to 3.30pm on Monday, May 21 and Monday, June 18 at the Adult Learning Centre, Church Lane, Brighouse, and at the same times on Wednesday, May 9 and Wednesday, June 6 at The Cartwheel Club, Huddersfield Road, Elland.

Contact Eric Binns on 01422 392222 or email eric.binns@calderdale.gov.uk