A NEW project is being launched in Redditch, Studley and Alcester this month to help women start their own part-time businesses.

The Balancing Act is run within school hours by two self-employed local women, Anabela Ferreira and Anne Simper.

"It's a programme which will provide advice and guidance to all women in areas such as business planning, marketing and finance," said Anabela.

"It will also host 'get togethers' for women who want to start up their own business and those who are already running their own business", added Anne, "where guest speakers will cover a range of business-related subjects and the women will have a chance to get to know each other and possibly do some business themselves."

The Balancing Act is part of the European Social Funded "EQUAL" project called Adjust the Balance, which is being co-ordinated across the West Midlands by the Learning and Skills Council and is free of charge.

It will be launched on Thursday, January 19 at Studley Village Hall, High Street, from 1-3pm and on Thursday, January 26 at the ReddiCentre, South Street, Smallwood, from 9.30-11.30am.

For more details, call Anne Simper or Anabela Ferreira on 545545 or 07736 846947 or visit www.balancingbusiness.co.uk