RURAL businesses can take advantage of a series of web workshops to help them develop an online presence.

Business Link Berkshire and Wiltshire is following a summer pilot with a second programme, covering a host of new subject areas, including planning, designing and running a website, website marketing and promotion, starting an eBay store, and setting up a wireless internet network.

The half-day workshops run until December and have been subsidised at £18 per person.

The first series of workshops took place in May and June involving sculptor Anthony Wilson from Knook, near Warminster.

"I create garden sculptures

from pieces of scrap

and have, for a long time, been interested in selling my work through the Web," he said.

"I attended two of the workshops, focusing on developing and promoting a website and, with help from a Business Link provider, I've now set up my own site.

"I'm looking forward to

fulfilling the orders I

hope to receive from all over

the world."

David Howlett, rural business advisor at Business Link Berkshire and Wiltshire, said: "These new workshops have been designed to help attendees use the web or e-business in a smart way to help grow their diversification project.

"The common theme is that it is possible to learn the majority of the skills needed themselves using the training offered and they will then help drive their business ventures forward."

To book a place, contact Heidi Freegard on (01793) 428340 or heidi.freegard@blbw.co.uk