Dozens of delegates were given a tour of the BBC Nottingham centre, including the Nottingham Online operation, Radio Nottingham and East Midlands Today television studios.

Delegates listen to how to they can get the best from the BBC

The workshop was led by Devon Daley, the BBC's Access Ambassador and co-organised by Beverley Toone, Diversity Manager for Business in the Community.

She emphasised the importance of local businesses developing strong links with the local community.

She said "we must encourage businesses to look at homelessness, equal opportunities and other issues and offer advice on how firms can best help."

Throughout the day the delegates were given an insight into how the news operation works at the BBC.

Beverley Toone explains the need for a better link between business and local organisations

They were told the best ways to approach media organisations; how to write press releases with maximum impact and the differences between taking part in a radio and television interview.

Liz Howell, output editor of BBC East Midlands Today and Nottingham Online, spoke about the corporation's newest media development - the internet.

She said "The Nottingham "Where You Live" site gives communities a fantastic opportunity to interact with the BBC as a publisher and a broadcaster."

Organisations were encouraged to contact BBC Nottingham Online to help generate more links within the local community.

We're waiting for your ideas.