Business know-how is high on the list of priorities for young self-employed people, according to new research.

Great Place: Lakes and Dales, a programme which is funded by The National Lottery Heritage Fund and Arts Council England - aims to encourage more people under 35 to live and work in South Lakeland and the Yorkshire Dales.

GPLD business consultant Karen Merrifield said: “Our research shows that younger people in this rural area can be put off working as freelancers because they are lacking confidence in business skills.

"Our work aims to help young creatives starting out in self employment.”

Karen and fellow business relations consultant Jael Williams are organising Play Work Stay, on September 27 to September 29, at the Dalesbridge Centre, Austwick, near Settle.

It will feature talks by several people who have made successful careers in the creative industries. They include award winning scriptwriter and producer Rob Young; Anthony Briggs from LUDUS Dance, Ian Read from Lakeland Arts and Dana Segal from the National Arts Fundraising School.

There will also be workshops, activities and challenges covering subjects such as branding, marketing, business development, pitching for work and understanding the freelance world.

Lindsey Hebden, GPLD programme manager, said: “We are offering a fantastic opportunity for young people in arts-based careers to pick up advice, be mentored and learn from those who have been there how to make being freelance work for them. The weekend will be exciting and inspirational.

"There will be time to socialise and network as well as develop ideas and reflect.”

To sign up go to www.lakesanddales.org/events