BUSINESS owners in Dawlish and Newton Abbot will be able to get advice, explore new opportunities and meet organisations that could help their firms flourish, as a successful support initiative expands across the area.

Two free events are being organised after September’s gathering in Teignmouth proved popular, bringing a fresh opportunity for local businesses to find out what help is available without having to look far from home.

The first takes place at The Manor House in Dawlish on Tuesday, October 20, with Newton’s Place in Newton Abbot hosting the second on Tuesday, November 24.

From employment support and skills training to one-to-one business guidance, the events will bring a range of services together in one place, making it easier for firms to find the right advice and make useful connections.

South Devon College, Exeter College, the Federation of Small Businesses and local Chambers of Commerce are among the organisations expected to attend.

Devon County Council will also be showcasing its Connect to Work employment support programme, Train 4 Tomorrow skills bootcamps and its newly launched Devon Business Support programme.

The business support service offers one-to-one guidance from experienced advisers, alongside mentoring and specialist workshops.

Learn Devon, the council’s adult education service, will also be available to discuss learning opportunities.

The initiative began with a free event hosted by Teignmouth Town Council in collaboration with the organisers, giving businesses the chance to explore the support available locally.

Councillor Simon Clist, Cabinet Member for Assets and Resources, said he was pleased the Teignmouth event had been valued by those who attended.

He said bringing so many organisations together under one roof offered a valuable opportunity to network and discover training and employment options.

To find out more, and to book your free place, visit Eventbrite for the ‘Business Support Event in Dawlish’ and the ‘Business Support Event in Newton Abbot’.