Sales and marketing expert Jackie Jarvis has developed a new type of business mentoring to help local small companies sell and market their services.

This programme has been approved by Train to Gain as a development opportunity for a training grant of up to £1,000 per business.

The Sales and Marketing Fast Track is designed to teach sole traders how to develop new sales and marketing ideas in the company of other like-minded individuals. The course runs once a month for nine months.

There are now three groups running in the county, with another two planned for September and October.

Ms Jarvis said: “You will learn, practice, discuss with others, get support and encouragement and, most importantly, set actions and have a forum for sharing your achievements.”

There is a taster session, Fast Track to More Customers, on September 29 at the Shillingford Bridge Hotel, Shillingford OX10 8LZ, from 8-10am. Tickets are £25.

Marketingco, Ms Jarvis’s company, is also offering a free half-hour telephone consultation to anyone who would like to find out if the programme is right for them.

To book, call 01491 833222 or see the website www.marketingco.biz