Businesses and the general public will be able to take advantage of a series of topical luncheon seminars held by Business Bermuda over the next eight months.

The free seminars, which will be hosted at Business Bermuda's offices in Hamilton, range from writing a will to getting the most from your property, investment and alternative energy.

The business group held a press conference yesterday to announce the official launch, with Business Bermuda CEO Cheryl Packwood saying that she hoped the seminars would benefit the wider community.

"It is designed for the local business community to learn more about what we do here at Business Bermuda and how it helps each and every individual here in Bermuda," she said.

"We are going to talk about everything that has an impact on each and every one of us in the community and about the aspects of the business world that are important to us."

The seminars, which were the designed by the organisation's local awareness committee headed by new chairman Cynthia Wright, kick-off next month with a debate on 'Estate Planning and You' led by Rajah Abusreweil, a trust and estates attorney at Trott & Duncan, covering setting up wills and trusts, on Wednesday October 20. That will be followed by a talk on 'Alternative Energy Options for Everyone' by Kevon Makell, vice-president and general manager of PureNERGY Renewables Ltd. onThursday November 18

The first seminar of the new year will be a panel discussion on 'Plan Today to Fund Education<\p>Tomorrow' chaired by Derek Smith, director of Bermuda Careers Centre on Thursday January 20, 2011, with the following month featuring 'Black History Month' - a look at the importance of Bermuda's heritage by Dr. Clarence Maxwell on Tuesday February 15, 2011.

'How to Make Money From Your Property' is next up on Thursday March 17, 2011, with the series being rounded off with a discussion on 'Investing 101' - making the most of your investment choices and managing your money on Thursday April 21, 2011.

"The speakers promise to be as scintillating as the topics themselves because the committee has lined up some talented people to share their knowledge and experience with attendees," said Ms Packwood.

Ms Wright said the topics were drawn from subjects of interest to both the committee and Business Bermuda's members and based on demand there are plans to run further seminars in the future, including in areas such as how to market your company.

She said there would be a focus on making the seminars as interactive, informative and enjoyable as possible for the participants.

"We look forward to rolling out this series of luncheon seminars next month as we are excited to invite the public to learn more about what Business Bermuda member companies contribute to Bermuda," she said.

"This complimentary lunch 'n learn-style series should be of interest to a wide, cross-section of the community because we've purposely selected topics with broad appeal."

All of the seminars will take place in the Business Bermuda boardroom in<\p>Windsor Place, 22 Queen Street between 12.30 p.m. and 1.30 p.m. Places are currently limited to 35.

To sign up for the seminars contact Lynelle Williams on 292-0632, email lwilliams[AT]businessbermuda.org or visit the website at www.businessbermuda.org