Town businesses are being encouraged to think local as entrepreneurs offer free advice and support at Burton's second annual small business conference.

Burton Small Business, which helps to support business growth in the town, will host the event on Wednesday, October 11 with the support of Marston's Brewery.

One of the founder members of Burton Small Business, Elaine Pritchard, said: "This year's conference is set to build on the successes of last year's sold-out event and offer local businesses even more advice and inspiration with nine business speakers who are all experts in their fields.

Places are strictly limited and the event is expected to sell out again, so Burton Small Business is asking people to complete an application form to secure a free ticket for the conference which is taking place at Marston's Brewery Visitor Centre, in Shobnall Road, Burton from 9.30am, ending with a networking lunch from 1pm to 2pm. To obtain an application form, you can email info@burtonsmallbusiness.co.uk or download one from here .

Joanne Wyke, marketing manager for Marston's, said: "Marston's Brewery is proud to support the Burton Small Business conference. We want to encourage local talent and help put Burton, the spiritual home of brewing, on the map."

The conference is inspired by the Small Business Saturday UK movement – now in its fifth year – which encourages everyone to make a special effort to support and celebrate small businesses on the first Saturday in December.

One of those who attended last year's conference was Monica Dunbar, owner of Caribbean caterers Dattie's Soul Food and founder of the Love Inspire Foundation.

She said: "I left last year's conference equipped and inspired, ready to action phase two in moving my business to the next level, reassured and encouraged that I was not alone and could access any of the services exhibited at the conference locally.

"I can't wait to see what the 2017 conference has in store. If you are serious about being successful in business then the Burton Small Business Conference is definitely one to attend.”

Burton Small Business is run by social media expert Elaine Pritchard of Caittom Publishing, award winning animator Tilley Bancroft of Red Door Studios and journalist and copywriter Cheryl Morris of Creative Word PR.

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