Local business people, both established and new business starts, are being offered the chance to meet Shetland Enterprise staff at an open, informal lunch on Friday 19th March between 12.30-2pm.

Shetland Enterprise in partnership with the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) are organising the lunch which will take place at the Shetland Business Innovation Centre at Greenhead - next to Shetland College.

Jimmy Smith from the FSB said: "It is a good chance for new and existing businesses to meet staff from their local enterprise company (LEC) and to network with other businesses in Shetland.  I think this will be a very beneficial event for anyone who attends."

The event offers business people, including bank business managers and accountants, the chance to discover how the Local Enterprise Company works and what assistance they can offer to new business starts or established businesses. 

It will provide the opportunity to discuss business and economic concerns with enterprise staff and to find out what support they can offer with training - either helping to find the right course or to assist with finance.

Ian Muir, a marketing specialist, will be present to provide a short talk on developing the Shetland Brand.

John Thorne, a development manager at Shetland Enterprise said: "A buffet lunch will be provided and with no formal invite required local businesses are asked just to turn up.

"We want to make the work we do here at the LEC more accessible to business people in Shetland and also help establish a strong network where businesses can share best practice procedures and advice for the benefit of all involved."