A free business health check and management training is up for grabs for small companies.

Basildon Council is asking for applicants for the new project called Risse aimed to help small retailers, service companies and voluntary groups develop better business practices.

The project uses a training programme including business analysis, time management, employment law and people skills.

To be eligible companies must have at least one employee and carry out their business in the Basildon district.

The Risse project, which will be launched tomorrow, is a partnership between Basildon Council and the Academy of Learning and Prospects College. It is backed by funding from the European social fund.

As well as training, the scheme offers a networking service where managers can link up with each other to swap news and views, learn from each others experiences and gain knowledge on specific subjects.

A Council spokesman said: "More businesses mean more jobs for local people and we are delighted to support projects like this which give people more skills and help them develop."

The free scheme will kick off at the Pitsea Leisure Centre conference room. Call 01268 294762 or 01268 294763 for more details.

Published Monday, April 28, 2003

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