BROMSGROVE businesses will get the chance to boost the skills of their staff - thanks to a series of free workshops.

The events will be run by the Energy Saving Trust, working for Worcestershire County Council.

One of the workshops will be run at the County Safety Services specialist training centre in Bromsgrove on September 17 and it will give those attending hands-on experience of the skills needed to work safely at height.

Another two workshops will be delivered by Counterpoint Courses on September 16 in Worcester, helping businesses to learn about the public sector tendering processes, how to bid successfully and where to find contract opportunities.

Alan Wood, programme manager from the "green economy" team at the county council, said the aim of the workshops was to support the development of local contractors and to encourage them to bid for work.

Ally Wadeward, of the Energy Saving Trust, said: "We have run development programmes for local supply chain businesses in other parts of the UK and seen the benefits as businesses grow and secure more work."

Businesses wanting to find out more about the programme or to book a free place on the workshops should visit energysavingtrust.org.uk/businesses/support-programmes/worcestershire.