AN IDEAS development session will be held in Clackmannanshire for women looking to return to work or considering self-employment.

The ClacksWiSE programme, run by Ceteris (Scotland) Ltd, will take place in Alloa Business Centre on Tuesday, January 23.

Those looking to make a fresh start in 2018, who have always wanted to be their own boss or dream of a flexible work/life balance could benefit from the event.

Overall, the project encourages self-employment, offers free access to the touchdown space networking hub in the centre, provides experienced mentors to support and encourage plus workshops in confidence building, assertiveness, communication and presentation skills.

In addition, it offers training in business skills including business planning, finance, IT, social media, and marketing.

Alison Davidson, business development manager at Ceteris, said: "Over the last six months, we've helped launch new businesses, new websites and advised over 30 local women on their journey to self-employment.

"The new year is an ideal time to try something fresh and we want to encourage as many women as possible to join our ClacksWiSE group."

During the session at the end of the month, facilitated by Jennifer Tervit McDonald of Perfect Penny Marketing, people can discover and acknowledge their skillsets and brainstorm to develop ideas for a new business.

Jennifer has already launched two businesses of her own: Singled Up in 2012 and Perfect Penny Marketing in 2016.

She has also worked as a business adviser at Business Gateway Clackmannanshire.

Alongside the ideas development session, ClacksWise is also running its personal development programme with two half-day workshops looking at communication and presentation skills (day one) then image and impact (day two).

The first on Thursday, January 18 at the Alloa Business Centre will coach the ClacksWiSE women to project and practice vocal techniques, eliminate "grey" language and develop a confident posture.

The second, on Thursday, January 25 at the same venue, is wide ranging and will help the attendees deal with negativity in a positive way, build rapport, motivate others and build resilience.

Delivered by Kate Donne and Carolyn Konrad, people should expect a lively and interactive experience.

Kate has over twenty five years of experience designing and delivering a varied range of business and personal development programmes.

She has a degree from The Royal Conservatoire in Glasgow and was presented with the top final year student award; her specific expertise lies in presentation skills programmes.

Carolyn is a professional actress who has worked extensively within theatre, TV and radio.

Amongst many other productions she has been on Still Game, Taggart and Take The High Road. Carolyn's twenty five year career has also included workshop design and delivery.

To find out more about ClacksWise, phone 01259 726430, visit ceteris.co.uk/clackswise or find them on Facebook and Twitter.