The new rural business support network, WayMark-Essex, is planning a series of evening meetings around the county.

Topics to be covered include banking, business support, customer care, retirement issues and business diversification.

Meetings will start at 6pm and include a presentation, networking opportunities and a free buffet. The first meeting, How to Manage your Bank Manager, will take place at the Orsett Hall Hotel, Prince Charles Avenue, Orsett, on Monday January 20.

Anyone with a rural or rurally- -based business of any kind land-based, farm related, retail or services is welcome to attend the meetings, which are sponsored by Business Link for Essex and supported by Essex Chambers of Commerce.

Further details are available from Andrew Fieldsend on 01245 424244 or the WayMark website: www.waymark-essex.org