Small businesses from the Bridgnorth and surrounding areas are being invited to take part in a series of free workshops at Westgate during the next fortnight.

The 'Step-up Club' provides businesses operating in Southern Shropshire with the opportunity to attend two free workshops, where they will learn more about employment legislation, recruitment solutions, writing job descriptions and interview techniques.

The Southern Shropshire Partnership has developed this exciting initiative which is being lead by Shropshire Council's County Training team.

The Bridgnorth workshops will take place at Westgate on Wednesday 13 January, from 9.30am - 1.30pm, followed by an interview technique workshop on Wednesday 20 January (appointments allocated at first session)

The demographics of rural south Shropshire mean that businesses may not always be aware of the support available from local organisations and services, which could help to improve their profitability and growth. Step-up Club aims to overcome this by holding workshops in rural areas to demonstrate how valuable such organisations are to the prosperity of the county.

The second workshop will also benefit unemployed members of the community, by providing them with the opportunity to take part in practice interviews with businesses present at the first session.

Councillor Steve Charmley, Portfolio Holder for Culture and Leisure at Shropshire Council comments; "This is a valuable exercise for businesses in and around Bridgnorth to take part in. Step-up helps employers broaden their awareness of recruitment techniques, funded training available and accessibility to potential employees, whilst helping individuals improve their employability when seeking work."

The workshops have already successfully taken place in Ludlow and anyone who would like to attend the Bridgnorth sessions or wants to find out more can contact County Training on 01743 255191 or email countytraining@shropshire.gov.uk.