A FREE workshop to help new businesses win investment in 2006 is being held by Connect Yorkshire.

The event, titled Practical Business Plans and How to Present Your Proposition, takes place at accountancy firm Garbutt & Elliott's York offices at Arabesque House, Monks Cross, Huntington, on Wednesday, from 9.30am until noon.

Connect Yorkshire primes new technology companies for success. It gets them on the fast-track for growth by preparing and guiding them through the investment process.

In the first half of the workshop Tim Mills, from Garbutt & Elliott, will give an insight into producing a successful business plan. He will tell delegates how to identify market opportunities and find routes to market, as well give practical advice on how to write the perfect executive summary.

The second half of the workshop will see Phil Hopkins, managing director of Leeds-based marketing and PR agency The H2 Company, focus on improving presentation skills to an audience of investors.

Nick Butler, executive director of Connect Yorkshire, said: "This event is exactly what new businesses need to kick start the new year. We have two fantastic speakers telling delegates everything they need to know about the content and delivery of an investment pitch- for free. I urge anyone who wants to make 2006 a successful year for their business to attend."

For further information or to register for the workshop, contact Connect Yorkshire by emailing events@connectyorkshire.org or by phoning 0113 3845640.

Updated: 10:14 Thursday, January 05, 2006