From Liz Waugh, Exeter 382173, September 17, 2007

Building on previous success, Devon County Council's TACSS (Tourism and Creative Skills for Success) project is again running courses aimed at developing creative entrepreneurs. The next course will start on October 8th in South Devon.

The five-week courses are aimed at anyone currently working in the creative industries - artists, creative practitioners and recent graduates to help them get their business ventures off the ground.

Tourism and Creative Skills for Success coordinator, Rosie Bates, said: " We have already run these courses and the feedback has been extremely positive. We are delighted to be able to offer them to even more people in the creative fields.

"Course participants will learn a wide range of business skills from networking to funding opportunities, legal issues, how to promote, and most importantly, how to find your market and sell your own work.

"Previous students have commented on how much of the course they have put to practical use. It's entirely free and I'd recommend it to anyone considering or starting a business in the creative industries."

Diane and David Evans who attended the course this year were delighted. Dianne said: " I would recommend the course as it has been really useful in changing the way I think about approaching others to represent my work.

"I have always thought people would be doing me a favour if they were to sponsor an event or a catalogue, not seeing that they benefit by associating with me. The advice on business startup and where to find information has really accelerated my business project.

"I have also been able to focus on my creative work more because I feel that I am nearer to finding an outlet for it.

For more information on the course, please contact TACCS on 01392 383144 or visit www.tacss.co.uk

NOTES TO EDITORS

For more information, images or interviews, please contact Liz Waugh, 01752 847135.