BANK giant Barclays has joined forces with the Daily Echo and leading business guru and marketing specialist Robert Craven to run a free seminar to help "kick-start" businesses.

The seminar, which takes place at the St Mary's Stadium in Southampton next Wednesday, will focus on practical solutions based around two essentials: what your business does and how it sells.

Colin Matthews, head of small business for Barclays in Southampton, said: "Keeping up the momentum a business had when it started can be hard once it's up and running. That's why it's important to step back, stop for breath and take a look at what has been achieved so far. This workshop, open to all small businesses in the area whether they are Barclays customers or not, provides an opportunity to do this."

The kick-start event helps business people to assess their strengths and weaknesses and to recognise the true potential of their business. In fact, 95 per cent of the people who have attended previous events said that they would make changes to their business as a result of attending.

Robert Craven is author of 'Kick-start your business' and 'Customer is king'. He is also managing director of The Directors Centre, has run his own restaurant, sound recording studio and training company and was formerly head of small business programmes at Warwick Business School.

Robert said: "What differentiates great businesses from people with great ideas is the ability to act quickly and decisively and focus their efforts on those activities that will give the highest return. Attending this workshop will provide some guidance on how to do this."

The event runs from 9.30am to 1.30pm and breakfast and lunch will be provided.

Businesses interested in attending should contact James Swann on 0777 555 2991 or book online by visiting www.smallbusiness.barclays.co.uk/seminars_events.