Local entrepreneurs took the opportunity to have a brainstorming session at a special workshop on Friday.

More than a dozen representatives from small companies based at Southside, St.

David's, met to discuss various business issues.

The event was organised and hosted by the Bermuda Land Development Company and the Bermuda Small Businesses Corporation.

It is hoped that the meeting will be the first in a series of talks in which the Corporation will work with small businesses based at the site to help them perform to their maximum potential.

BLDC chief executive officer Carl Musson said the workshop was an example of the company's commitment to the success of the Southside project.

"The BLDC understands the very competitive environment in which our tenants operate and we want to do what we can to help them succeed and prosper,'' he said. "Ultimately their success will determine our success.'' Business issues discussed during the workshop included cash flow, debt management, marketing, planning and goal setting, strategic planning and customer service.

And the meeting also raised the possibility of some Southside businesses working together.

Cal White, who runs a water trucking company from the site, said the workshop was "very helpful''.

"The discussion stressed the importance of the need to plan and set goals and to have a vision for the future,'' he said. "It seems simple to say it, but we know these are difficult to implement. I think this programme will help.'' Over the next few weeks the Small Business Development Corporation will be meeting with each workshop participant individually to talk about their specific business challenges, needs and objectives and to help them prepare business strategies.

BUSINESS BUC