AN event to encourage people to start their own business is taking place at a shopping centre on Saturday.

The Middleton Grange Shopping Centre, in Hartlepool, is hosting a roadshow organised by a group of agencies and support networks.

It will provide an opportunity for people to talk to business advisors and people who have established successful companies.

Andrea Miles, of Brougham Enterprise Centre, in Hartlepool, has organised the event.

She said: "It is great to have so many support agencies represented, as well as existing businesses to offer advice and encouragement.

"It really couldn't be easier to see if your dreams could turn into the reality of starting your own business with all the help you will need in one place at one time."

The roadshow, from 9am to 5pm, includes two competitions.

As prizes, Middleton Grange shopping centre is offering six months free rental in a unit in the centre's Market Hall and Smart-Idea.co.uk will provide an existing company with the use of a Smart car for a month to advertise the company.

Organisations taking part in the event include Hartlepool Borough Council, Business Link Tees Valley and Enterprising Hartlepool.

For details, contact Miss Miles on (01429) 867677.