MAJOR employers in the south are back exhibiting at the Southern Daily Echo Job Scene Roadshow in Southampton a week on Thursday.

Among a raft of big companies is British Gas, whose recruitment manager, Gill Spencer, said: "At previous shows we have received a lot of interest."

British Gas is a large national employer who currently has vacancies in its Southampton call centre.

It is looking for people over the age of 18 who have excellent all-round communication skills, six months customer service experience and are able to promote the company's products and services.

The roadshow at the Guildhall attracts a vast array of visitors of all ages, experience, qualifications and background, and provides an ideal platform for employers such as British Gas to meet suitable candidates.

At the last roadshow more than 3,000 visitors came through the doors and many walked away with a brighter future than when they walked in.

Visitors will be drawn to the event through a comprehensive marketing and PR campaign that incorporates the Southern Daily Echo, Power FM and Southampton TV.

Other exhibitors that are back after previous successful events include Abbey National, Atlantic Housing Group, Barclays, ExxonMobil, Flame, Inland Revenue, Royal Navy & Royal Marines, School of Nursing & Midwifery University of Southampton, Southampton City College, the Teacher Training Agency and many more.

Free advice on how to be your own boss will also be available in a city council-run Internet caf. business advisers will also be on hand to answer questions.

The authority's economic development team will be joined by the South West Hampshire Enterprise Agency, the Prince's Trust and the Fredericks Foundation to offer advice on all aspects of going it alone, from finding premises and raising finance, to attracting grants and marketing.

One of the main sources of information available at the Internet caf will be www.invest-in-southampton.co.uk, put together by the Council's Economic Development team, who have developed an information section for local people looking to start up new enterprises, or expand their current business.

The website provides links to a wide range of support services in the south central region. It will be on display and available for free access throughout the exhibition.

Specialist topic pages are included devoted to business start-ups, women in business, ethnic businesses, young entrepreneurs; self-employment for disabled people, and social enterprises. Each area carries further links to other sites offering relevant advice.