SMALL businesses in Norfolk are being encouraged to make their workplaces safer at training courses next month.Organised by North Norfolk District Council (NNDC), Great Yarmouth Borough Council, Breckland Council and the Borough Council of King's Lynn and West Norfolk, they will take place in Stalham and Swaffham on July 2.

SMALL businesses in Norfolk are being encouraged to make their workplaces safer at training courses next month.

Organised by North Norfolk District Council (NNDC), Great Yarmouth Borough Council, Breckland Council and the Borough Council of King's Lynn and West Norfolk, they will take place in Stalham and Swaffham on July 2.

Businesses that employ five to 15 people will be able to learn about health and safety management to make sure they comply with laws and keep their workplaces safe.

The courses are part of a new project aiming to make health and safety easy for employers.

The training days will be followed by visits to workplaces to offer advice and evaluate how they are getting on, with an awards presentation in the autumn congratulating those who have made progress.

Nick Baker, from NNDC, said: “Small businesses tell us that health and safety is a really difficult issue for them and have asked us to help them.

“This project builds on other work we have done, giving expert consultancy and advice to not only help them comply with the law but to make their businesses safer for customers and employees.”

The courses support the work of the Norfolk Better Regulation Partnership, which aims to ensure the county's business meet expected standards and legal requirements.

For more information about the courses, contact Gemma Williams at NNDC on 01263 516008 or e-mail commercial@north-norfolk.gov.uk.