HOSPITALITY entrepreneur Tom Maxfield rolled up his sleeves and returned to the kitchen to mark the launch of Business Week Tyne and Wear.

The owner of Tom's Companies, which runs several hotels and restaurants in the region, including Seaham Hall and Serenity Spa, joined young businessman Pete Hunt, whose company Fresh Element provides catering for corporate events, parties and weddings

The pair worked together to launch the second Business Week, which runs from Friday, June 30, to July 6.

The event will showcase the opportunities on offer to people already in business or those thinking of getting started in North and South Tyneside, Sunderland, Gateshead and Newcastle.

A free programme of events will be held at venues around the region with the final Big Day Event on Friday, July 6, at the Stadium of Light, in Sunderland.

Bill McGawley, chairman of Business Week, said: "We aim to encourage and celebrate all people in business, from the self-employed window-cleaner to the chief executive of a plc.

"Business Week is about creating a raft of opportunities for people to access information and expertise in a fun and engaging way in their local area."

For a full list of events, or to get involved, log on to www.business-week.org