INVERCLYDE Council has launched a new programme that aims to support local independent hospitality businesses.

Council bosses say the new Growth Programme for Independent Hospitality Businesses will help boost the local sector using funding from the UK Government through the Shared Prosperity Fund.

It aims to cover all areas of a business, including strategy, innovation, net zero, customer service excellence, human resource management and sales generation techniques.

The programme will also look to offer in-person guest speaker insights from successful hospitality businesses in Scotland.

Businesses who complete the programme will also be in line to receive a £1,000 grant that will be used as a contribution towards the costs of implementing the recommendations made.