THE 'Enterprising West Devon' business event at Okehampton Business Centre earlier this month was a big success, according to organisers.

The event was provided by Business Information Point and Natwest.

Kathy Fogerty, one of Natwest Okehampton's business managers, said: 'The feedback from the event has been fantastic. Everyone really welcomed the opportunity to chat through their ideas and circumstances and discover the wealth of support that is available.'

Stewart Horne, managing director of BIP, said: 'It was good to have a mix of local businesses together as the Okehampton Business Survey identified a need to stimulate more collaborative working within the Okehampton area.'

Both existing local business owners and those interested in finding out more about running their own business attended the event, which looked at how the current economic climate is affecting local businesses and the support available to them, as well as the opportunities, tools and advice available for those considering starting up their own venture. The results of the recent Okehampton Business Survey were also analysed.

Presentations were given by representatives from both NatWest and BIP, followed by an informal networking session. Attendees also had the opportunity to sample some of the business planning tools on offer and to find out more about the new 'Okehampton Enterprise Club', which is being facilitated by BIP for unemployed local people thinking of starting up their own business.