START-UP organisation Outset Plymouth is holding a festive networking event to celebrate the more than 70 businesses that have been created in the city in the past 18 months.

And the Millbay-based venture is aiming to help entrepreneurs further by giving them the chance to win free radio airtime – if they can come up with their own advert.

The Christmas showcase is on Wednesday, December 14, at The Studio Lounge, Millbay Road, from 2pm until 4pm.

The event will also celebrate the nearly 700 people who have attended Outset Plymouth, and Outset Finance, free workshops since the organisation has been running.

Kevin Kelway, marketing executive at Outset Plymouth, said: “The event is very informal, lots of networking, free home-made mince pies and refreshments, and for the Outset team to thank clients who have come onto our programmes and are making a difference to the growth of the economy.”

Meanwhile, it is running a competition to give a winning business 100, free, 20-second radio commercials.

A judging panel will consist of representatives from The Herald, Radio Plymouth, Outset Plymouth and its sister organisation Outset Finance.

The panel will select a winner from a shortlist of three Plymouth companies.

All three will have been given the opportunity to read their scripts to the panel on Friday, December 16.

The winning advert will be broadcast on Monday, December 19, for a month.

Mr Kelway said: “We are looking for the best business pitch that will give a business the opportunity for some free PR this Christmas and lift their enterprise into the competitive world of brand marketing.”

The 20-second scripts need to reach Outset Plymouth by lunchtime on Thursday, December 15.

Scripts should be forwarded to kevin.kelway@outsetplymouth.co.uk. Phone 0800 0285699 or www.outsetplymouth.co.uk for details.