IBM, one of the largest employers on the south coast has set up a partnership with the Solent Enterprise Hub to give a boost to technology in south-east Hampshire.

The Solent hub is one of ten current locations that form part of South East England Development Agency, SEEDA's network of focal points for innovation and entrepreneurial activity. IBM is to provide consultative advice, training and offer best of breed technology to the hub.The relationship was born out of a shared commitment to the development of small enterprises.

Linda Young, IBM business leader, Portsmouth, explains: "IBM is committed to small businesses and business growth. Our partnership is designed to assist start-up businesses utilise leading edge technology for competitive advantage.''An immediately tangible result of the partnership commitment is that, IBM business partner, Marcus Consulting, will present a variety of IT topics at a forthcoming seminar event series.

Steve Sault, of Marcus Consulting said: "Through the seminar series we intend to address what small businesses should look for when investing in information technology, the pitfalls of IT investment and latest trends in IT.''