BARCLAYS has joined forces with business guru Robert Craven to kick-start business regeneration in North Yorkshire.

The bank will be running a free seminar on Friday at Darlington College of Technology's base in Catterick, for businesses hit by the effects of foot-and-mouth disease.

The workshop will focus on practical ways of improving profitability, measuring performance and helping to make businesses stand out from the rest.

Nigel Foster, head of local business, said: "After suffering the impact of foot-and mouth disease, many businesses in North Yorkshire need revitalising.

"The Kick-Start seminar aims to give local businesses practical help and support to get back on track for success."

The seminar will present businesses with the opportunity to follow up the workout with a free one-to-one discussion with Mr Craven.

In addition, attendees will receive a set of worksheets to help implement change in their business and access to an Internet-based discussion forum.

Barclays has already taken a lead in supporting rural communities hit by foot-and mouth and its repercussions, by putting together a package of support measures which will run until September, as well as creating a £1.5m fund to support local economic rural regeneration initiat-ives.