Business people across Moray, Badenoch and Strathspey are being invited to take part in 'Setting Sail for Success', a set of seven masterclasses and workshops provided by Moray Badenoch and Strathspey Enterprise (MBSE).

Following on from 'Strategies for Success', an inspirational and highly successful programme of masterclasses in 2003, MBSE are aiming to help more local businesses make waves in their respective markets in 2004 with Setting Sail for Success.

While the earlier programme was designed to promote a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship, the new workshops build on that by offering practical advice and guidance on how to put theory into practice.  Each of the masterclasses and workshops recognise the need to combine innovative thinking and inspirational leadership with the practical skills required to keep businesses on an even keel.

The programme launches with 'Sailing with Confidence' a masterclass aimed at giving participants the confidence to dream of new horizons. This is followed by a series of practical workshops designed to offer the personal skills needed to ensure a business stays on course.

Previous events were so popular that Sailing with Confidence will be delivered at two different venues. The masterclass will be held on Thursday 15th January 2004 at the Cairngorm Hotel, Aviemore at 6.30 pm for 7 pm, and on Thursday 22nd January 2004 in the Elgin City Football Club Stadium, again at 6.30 pm for 7 pm.

The initial masterclass is free. Thereafter each workshop will cost £25.00 per person - although all six can be booked online now for only £100.00 at www.hie.co.uk/mbse 

People are welcome to book the masterclass and any number of workshops to tailor their learning to meet their personal needs.

Wendy Galloway, senior development manager at MBSE said: "Think about the phrases 'launching a business' and 'captains of industry' and it's obvious that drawing parallels between success in business and success on the high seas is not new.  But with our masterclasses and workshops, we have thought long and hard about the practical skills required today to sail your business to your desired destination.

"We expect demand to be high so we recommend that people book early to ensure their place.  Not only can people register on the website, they will also find lots more information about all our workshops there."