Budding entrepreneurs were given free guidance and advice on setting up a business in a council scheme to try and kickstart the local economy.

The business seminar held at the Civic Centre on Monday, organised by Harrow Council and Harrow in Business, gave 20 would-be entrepreneurs tips on how to stay solvent during the current recession.

The event, sponsored by Barclays, focussed on how to write good business plans, source finance, manage cash flow and stay within the law, as well as marketing and tax advice.

Harrow in Business general manager, Rhona Denness, said: “Harrow in Business has been running the ‘Barclays Get Ready for Business’ programme for many years and we were pleased to be able to work in partnership with Harrow Council again to deliver this to more local residents wishing to start up a new business.”

“The attendance was high which indicates again that Harrow is the entrepreneurial hotspot we have always known it to be.”