The event will be held on Tuesday 31 March at The Quadrus Centre in West Boldon from 8am to 2pm.

Cels, the organisation driving the growth of the healthcare sector, is partnering with TEDCO to deliver the surgery, which is targeted at non-marketers to provide them with ideas and marketing techniques to help grow their business in these difficult economic times.

The event will be delivered by professionals with expertise across the whole marketing mix including research, branding, online marketing and the media. The presentations will get to the heart of marketing strategy and innovation, tactics and technology.

James Thwaites, business development manager of EEF Ltd, will be kick starting the event by getting back to basics and presenting the key ingredients to successful marketing. Jonathan Wells, managing director of Guroo which launched just three years ago in Houghton-le-Spring, will be sharing his experiences of running a small business and the opportunities marketing can offer.

TEDCO helps new and established businesses by providing information and advice on every aspect of running a business, including business start-up, survival, success and growth. This Marketing Surgery is just one of the many events TEDCO will be running for SME’s, with a complimentary sales training course to follow later in the year.

Gordon Hanna, Networking Champion at TEDCO said: “More than ever in this economic downturn, SMEs need to learn new skills and have access to relevant training opportunities in order to survive and thrive. TEDCO is delighted to be delivering real value to businesses in South Tyneside.”

Cels Marketing Manager Samantha Davidson said: “This is a great opportunity for businesses to enhance their marketing opportunities and look to the future. Marketing is a vital part of any strategic business plan and delegates will take away simple but effective ideas and activities which they can implement in their own company.”

Cels has supported more than 150 business in the last 12 months through its seminars and events in the areas of business development, technology management and marketing.

Registration begins at 8am with the formal presentations finishing at 1pm followed by lunch and networking. There is no charge for the surgery but it is essential to book a place by booking online www.celsatlife.com/marketingsurgerymarch09 or by contacting the marketing team at Cels on 0191 211 2602.