DO YOU want to be your own boss? Southampton City Council is set to run a series of sessions across the city for locals that want to start their own business. From hairdressing to graphic design, book keeping to dog grooming; whatever business you want to establish experts from Job Centre Plus, Federation of Small Businesses and the Employment Support Team will be on-hand to offer free advice on getting started. This free project covers what life is like being your own boss, managing your finances, legalities, tax and insurance and how to create a viable business plan so you can learn step by step how to get your business off the ground, get it running smoothly and how to plan for the future. There will also be an opportunity to find out about how to access funding for training. Self-employment information sessions will take place: June 18 at Shirley Library from 10:30am – 2pm; June 19 at Townhill Park Community Centre from 9am – 12.30pm; and June 20 at Northam Community Centre from 10am – 1pm Mike Harris, service director of growth said: “There are many residents in Southampton with great ideas and valuable skills but without the knowledge of how to get a business off the ground. “Staff at these events can help every step of the way and provide personal support for the first two years of your business”.