START YOUR OWN: A one-day course on how to develop your business and make it profitable will be held today. Another business awareness workshop for people thinking about starting their own company will be held on Friday. Both are organised by the Enterprise Agency of North Kent. For details of the courses at the Gravesend Business Point, King Street, Gravesend, call 01474 327118.

GOING POTTY: Harry Potter fans can get JK Rowling’s fifth book, before their friends do, at Bluewater. The centre’s WH Smith and Waterstone’s will open their doors at midnight on the eve of the book’s official launch on June 20. Staff at WHSmith will be dressed up as Harry Potter characters.

LONE VOICE: The only Liberal Democrat councillor in Dartford local politics — Councillor Andrew Reeves, who represents Castle ward — has been elected as vice-chair of the Finance and General Purposes committee on Stone Parish Council.

FREE ADVICE: Free business advice continues at the Swanley Library and Information Centre, St Mary’s Road. Confidential advice from a business adviser is on hand for people starting up or running their own business. Similar advice is also available in Dartford, New Ash Green and Gravesend. For details and to book call 01474 327118.