THE Enterprise Connection hub at Poundbury is celebrating its official launch with a party and a series of free business development masterclasses.

The showcase on December 7 is being billed as an 'informal but informative' event with the chance to network and explore the range of support and facilities available.

Members of the business community are invited to attend the launch at the Connection in Prospect House at any time between 2pm and 9.30pm.

The masterclasses will be run by experienced professionals on a variety of business related topics.

Manager Karenlee Knott said: "We look forward to welcoming members of the business community to our launch party.

"Prospect House forms the core of our network, containing both managed office space and extensive conferencing facilities, of which many of our members take good advantage.

"We not only provide the support package to new business but also to existing business who want support and guidance for example in daily management issues, strategic planning or venture capital sourcing.

"Virtual office space is proving popular to those who are mobile on a daily basis and want that all important professional business support."

The free master-classes will run from 2pm onwards. The choice of classes include: * How to start to work with other businesses so you can earn more money for less work by going for contracts using your untapped capacity.

* How to make sure that a business is sustainable and still around five years from now.

* How to make money by being innovative.

* The direction your strategy is taking you, if you have a strategy.

* Marketing on the Internet and website design.

The aim is that at the end of the event businesses will leave with new knowledge, abilities and the possibility of growing and stabilising their business.

Ms Knott added: "We also provide secure, serviced office space and tailored, target-orientated support to enable businesses to establish and grow. Incubator members, whether on or off site, also receive direction finding and training seminars, tailored to their specific needs to help them succeed, and the all important professional business support ensuring the all-too-common pitfalls are avoided.

"Above all, the Enterprise Connection promises the right help at the right time encouraging members to combine and draw strength from those around them to establish a clear identity and sustainable independence, helping us achieve our goal - a sustainable and profitable Dorset."

Food and drinks will be served from 7pm onwards.

For more information visit www.enterpriseconnection.co.uk or call Ms Knott on 01305 755606.