INVENTORS who want to turn their big idea into a business are being urged to go to a free workshop.

Experts will be on hand at the Dover Ramada Hotel on Thursday, June 21 to tell them how to make inventions commercial.

They point to the computer, mobile and email - all inventions that have changed our lives. Yet in many cases, the inventors had no idea of the impact they would create.

Guest speaker Keith Carson said: "Everyone comes up with great inventions though sometimes people need a few hints and a little knowledge to guide them. That's what the workshop will aim to do.

"The easy part is coming up with the idea, the next part, developing it and turning it into a business is where most people stumble, and this workshop will help you on your way."

Dorothy Thom, director of East Kent Enterprise Gateway, the event organiser, says inventions are often a solution to a specific problem or difficulty.

"Perhaps you have thought of ways to improve your own living environment and possible the lives of others through a new and possibly simple device you have thought up," she said.

The workshop starts at 9am, and will cover the protection of ideas, research and development, design and manufacture, market assessment and licensing.

For details and bookings, contact Caroline Brett on 01304 216372 (mornings) or email caroline.brett@businesslinkkent.com