WEST Suffolk College is planning an increased emphasis on the role of entrepreneurship in the delivery of its training for business.

A new course, a BTEC Subsidiary Diploma in Understanding Enterprise and Entrepreneurship (equivalent to one A level) will be offered from September, running until March 2013, to develop the knowledge and skills required to support business start-up.

And from August, the college department responsible for business training will be renamed as the School of Enterprise, Business Management and Tourism.

It will be led by Penny Stevens, head of enterprise and entrepreneurship, with provision co-ordinated by lecturers Helen Parker and Martin Higginson. The course will be delivered by lecturers with both business and academic experience.

External agencies are working with the college as are a number of regional entrepreneurs. Students will undertake internships both within the college and in regional organisations to develop entrepreneurship skills.

The new service, branded enterprise@westsuffolkcollege, aims to support all students within the college and the community. As well as the Subsidiary Diploma, the college will also be offering a two-year Full Diploma course which requires students to develop and actually run their own business within the course.

An Enterprise Hub will provide information and resources, initially to students. A range of seminars and short courses will be targeted to support external customers and local start up business.

A programme of entrepreneurship early evening seminars will run throughout the year to support business start-ups, covering areas including writing a business plan, marketing, finance, law, health and safety and client relationship skills as well as business pitching skills.

For further details, call 01284 716333 or email info@wsc.ac.uk .