A number of free business events for small businesses and retailers will be taking place in the city, organised by Belfast City Council.

Local retailers will benefit from a number of free retail masterclasses which will be running until March.

The council will also be supporting the sector through the organising of ‘Belfast Independent Retail Week’ from March 5 to 11, which will celebrate independent retailing in the city, through a week-long series of workshops, events and promotions.

Masterclasses in January, February and March will look at the importance of branding for retailers; why retailers should be trading online and using social networking to promote their business; and how loyalty schemes and promotions really drive volume and generate repeat business.

Local businesses can also benefit from a number of upcoming BEN (Belfast Entrepreneurs Network) events in 2012, facilitated by the council.

Entrepreneurs in the city will can learn how to use PR to promote their business at a BEN event on Thursday February 9 at Belfast Exposed in Donegall Street, while they can learn how to say a positive ‘no’ to their customer’s demands without losing the business at a further BEN event on Thursday March 8 at the Ridgeway Room in the Lyric Theatre. All of the BEN events start at 6pm following registration and food at 5.30pm.

Belfast Independent Retail Week will be taking place from March 5 to 11 and will celebrate the range and quality of independent retail in the city as well as highlight the quality neighbourhood shopping and unique retail experiences available in Belfast to local people and visitors.

For further information on Belfast Independent Retail Week and the free business events and masterclasses organised by the council, go to the council website www.belfastcity.gov.uk/business