AN attempt to rid the North-East of its reputation for having the worst track record in the country for new business start-ups takes place next week.

Start Your Business will be the largest free event of its kind held in the region and takes place simultaneously at the Telewest Arena at Newcastle and the Samsung Centre at Wynyard, Teesside, next Saturday.

Banks, accountants and business advisors will be there, along with people who have become their own bosses and entrepreneurs including John Marshall, who set up Durham Pine, David Charlton, founder of the Officers Club and Sadie the bra lady.

The event is the first step in a strategy to encourage more people to set up their own businesses. Statistics show there are 87,00 people in the North-East who dream of becoming their own boss. Concerns over the financial risks, the statistic that 30 per cent of business start-ups will fail within the first year, complex regulations and fear of the unknown put most people off.

The event has been organised by Business Link Tyne and Wear, on behalf of the region's Business Links, and One NorthEast.

John Tunney, 50, of Middlesbrough, a recent graduate of Teesside University, is the first to register for the Teesside event.

After 35 years in construction, and time spent bringing up a family, he plans to provide promotional CD Roms to small and medium sized businesses, after completing an MSc in Multimedia.

"I am looking to do something I know I will enjoy. I saw CD Rom promotions as a good opportunity and the more I look into it as a career, the more enthusiastic I become. The chance to set up my own business will be a challenge, but one I am looking forward to," he said.

The event runs from 10am to 6pm. To register for tickets call 0845 6018019.