Eastern Enterprise Hub is looking to unearth the next generation of entrepreneurs as it opens recruitment for its popular Ipswich Entrepreneur programme.

Funded by Ipswich Borough Council, the free five-month course looks to inspire those living in the IP1-IP4 area to develop their business skills - building contacts, pushing on their business ideas and increasing their self-confidence.

The course, which begins in the spring, will include talks from established entrepreneurs and business leaders, giving those on the course vital insights into how to make a business work.

Previous speakers include Ashtons Legal, Ensors Chartered Accountants and Gerald Main, award-winning broadcaster and former editor at BBC Radio Essex and BBC Radio Suffolk.

Digby Chacksfield, CEO of Eastern Enterprise Hub, said: “Ipswich is a great place to start a business and we want to repeat the success of our previous programmes with Ipswich Borough Council and support enterprises in the town.

“We aim to help people gain business knowledge, become more self confident and be a part of a community of like-minded business leaders and entrepreneurs.

“The calibre of start-ups coming from the Ipswich area has been growing each year and I look forward to seeing how potential students develop as they start on their journey with the course.”

The course has supported more than 1,200 entrepreneurs and more than 50 business owners since it began in 2011.

Start-up entrepreneurs learn skills such as marketing and sales, business planning and personal development at fortnightly sessions until June.

Russell Williams, chief executive of Ipswich Borough Council, said: “Last year saw Ipswich named as the best place in the UK to start a small business, by Informi, and we work very hard at the borough council to make Ipswich attractive to business, especially SMEs.

“We really want to see business in some key target sectors supported such as ICT, digital creatives, health, finance, logistics and education.”

For more information on the course and to sign up visit www.eehub.co.uk or contact learning programme manager Chanel Olding at chanel.olding@eehub.co.uk