THE chairman of Plymouth's Enterprise Week Co-ordination Group has said this year's event should be 'fascinating'.

Andrew Ashley, who is also managing director of the city's Business Advice Centre, said the week – which begins on Monday, November 17 – is set to be inspirational.

Mr Ashley, who also wrote today's column on this page, said: "Plymouth is often accused of being low on levels of enterprise and entrepreneurship, but I know through my 'day job' that Plymothians are anything but lacking in enterprise.

"We often see very high levels of the entrepreneurial spirit in people we deal with at the Business Advice Centre.

"This is supported by the increasing volume of activity that we're uncovering during this, the fifth Enterprise Week.

"It's not just about what we're doing to co-ordinate these efforts.

"We see so much going on, that we would otherwise not be aware of, that's so fascinating – and this inspires us to do what we do, to assist anyone with ideas, support those who have businesses to manage and to keep the profile up and shout the praises of Plymothians."

Plymouth ran the largest number of business events and activities in the South West in 2007 and has been case studied by 'Make Your Mark', the national organisers of Enterprise Week, in this year's promotional material.

Elaine Budd, overall co-ordinator of Enterprise Week on behalf of the Plymouth City Development Company, was invited to take part in the launch of this year's activities in the South West in Bristol earlier in the year. She attended alongside Margaret Heffernan, from Channel 4's 'Secret Millionaire' – a 'further example of the impact Plymouth has made nationally', she said.

This year, said Ms Budd, has also seen Plymouth building on its reputation by being voted the most enterprising place in the South West in the Enterprising Britain Awards.

She said: "This year's Enterprise Week promises to be the best yet.

"As ever, the partners are hosting a wide range of events and activities designed to inspire, advise and inform all areas of the community – young people, existing businesses, business start-ups and the general community interested in broadening their horizons."

Key events during the week include the 'INSPIRE' skills festival at Plymouth Albion Rugby Club on November 19. A 'skills village' will be created providing young people aged 14 to 16 with an interactive experience of working within key sectors in the city. Another highlight promises to be the Barbican Theatre providing an insight into some of the 'work ready/life ready' skills that form a key part of the new 14 to 19 diplomas. On the same day, a business networking event will take place at Plymouth Albion, with a presentation by Rob Tarr, the Great British Wheelchair Development coach.

And the Herald Youth Awards on November 20 will again put a spotlight on talented young people who are making a difference in the city, demonstrating qualities that 'should be celebrated and encouraged both in recognition of their achievements, but also as a way of inspiring others'.

To book for an event or for more details, email Elaine Budd at the elaine.budd@prensus.co.uk address.