Cheshire residents interested in becoming their own boss can attend a free Start-Up Saturday workshop.

Cheshire West and Chester Council have organised the event to help aspiring business owners understand what it takes to transform an idea or hobby into a successful venture.

The workshop will be held on November 9 at Meridian House, Road 1, Winsford Industrial Estate.

It will be delivered by Winsford entrepreneur Tim Ashcroft who established his business, Innovas, 18 years ago.

The workshop aims to provide people with the knowledge needed to make the leap into the business world.

Mr Ashcroft's session will cover the essentials of starting a new business, regardless of the idea or personal circumstances.

He will guide attendees on how to create a brand and market their product or service effectively.

Mr Ashcroft said: "The hardest part about starting up is starting out.

"Taking that first step can be very daunting.

"I started 18 years ago based in Winsford and am looking forward to sharing my personal experience of the challenges, disasters and successes and the many lessons I have learned on the way.

"Start-Up Saturday is a comprehensive guide into what is involved in starting your own business so please come along and start your journey."

Councillor Nathan Pardoe, cabinet member for inclusive economy, regeneration, and digital transformation, said: "If you have an idea for a business and want help getting started, then this free workshop is for you.

"Starting a business is far from easy, but it is a great way to pursue ideas and passions, which is why more and more people are choosing to start businesses and work for themselves.

"Tim has a wealth of experience and personal understanding of the challenges and successes of running your own business.

"It's great that he's offering this workshop alongside other start-up and small business workshops that Cheshire West and Chester Council are supporting."

The workshop is part of the council's commitment to supporting new enterprises to start, survive, and grow.

This is one of 12 action points identified as part of Cheshire West and Chester Council’s vision for an inclusive economy.

The inclusive economy aims to create a fair local economy and make Cheshire West and Chester a greener, fairer and stronger place to live, work and play.

This workshop is also part of a broader UK Shared Prosperity Fund Business Support programme, aimed at supporting West Cheshire entrepreneurs and businesses to start, develop and grow.

The wider programme includes support to help growing businesses innovate and explore opportunities to progress towards Net Zero, as well as training grants.

Those interested in Start-Up Saturday can find more information and register on the Let’s Talk Business Events page.