AN EXTENSIVE programme of workshops has been launched this month by Business Link York and North Yorkshire.

They are designed to help business owners and managers across the region pick up tips on how to develop their business, develop their people and use ICT to their best advantage

The programme of workshops will be held throughout the year in 16 different locations across North Yorkshire enabling delegates to keep their time out of the office to a minimum.

They include Whitby, Northallerton, Selby, Knaresborough, Masham, Pickering, Skipton, Bedale, Malton, Scarborough, Boroughbridge, Harrogate, York, Escrick, Monk Fryston and Ripon.

A total of 27 topics will be covered in the programme, including four new workshops.

They are Our Customers Are Escaping, which looks at how to retain and win customers back; Managing Discipline and Grievance At Work, exploring discipline and grievance procedures and legislative requirements; Work-Life Balance, a workshop on why employers need to take the work-life balance seriously and the advantages for their business; and The New Approach to Customer Relationship Management, aimed at improving customer service.

Business Link chief executive Helen West said: "Our workshop programme has been developed around feedback from our customers so as to cover the most appropriate issues to meet business needs in York and North Yorkshire." She said: "We are keen to make sure all business support services are accessible to businesses throughout the area, which is why we are running our programme of workshops across 16 different venues".

For further details phone Business Link York and North Yorkshire Information Centre on 01904 686000.

Updated: 10:00 Monday, May 24, 2004