A FREE enterprise event for all Pendle businesses, community enterprises and people hoping to start their own empire is taking place today at the Civic Theatre, Stanley Street, Nelson.

The event, open until 7pm, is designed to offer advice and the right contacts to help businesses and groups to get ahead with enterprise in Pendle.

It has been organised by Pendle Council's regeneration team, supported by European funding, in a bid to boost businesses and develop community projects to improve the economy and quality of life in Pendle.

Key areas being covered include: grants and funding, finance, tax and legal matters, advice on starting a new business or community project and advice on expanding business.

Paul Crowther, a community economic development worker for the council said: "This is a fantastic opportunity to make all the right contacts and get good advice from a wide range of agencies, all on one day.

"We will also be encouraging community groups to come forward with enterprising ideas on how to tap into £2.68 million of European funding for Pendle."

More than twelve business, training and advice agencies were brought together under one umbrella for the event, including Business Link, the Asian Business Federation, Nelson and Colne College, Lancashire Co-operative Development Agency and Every Opportunity for Women.