UNIQUE Bolton business schemes have helped create nearly 300 jobs in the last four years.

The latest batch of entrepreneurs honed their skills recently at an On Track residential weekend in Lancaster.

On Track is run by Bolton Council's Business Support Unit with help from Business Link North Manchester, the European Regional Development Fund and a number of local companies.

It has grown out of the Young Entrepreneur programme established in 1998 as a borough-wide initiative to provide a practical understanding of core skills which are needed by young people if their businesses are to develop.

Owners have been helped to build sustainable, high-growth businesses.

Ross Bullock, a business adviser at Bolton Business Support Unit, organised the "People and Change" weekend at the Lancaster House Hotel in Lancaster for 24 Bolton delegates.

Subjects covered included identifying target markets, the benefits of networking, banking relationships, recruiting staff, comparisons of business taxation, goal setting and time management.

The first session was hosted by Andrew Dickson, of St Andrews Travel and president of Bolton and Bury Chamber of Commerce, and the last featured Lee Bevan, a Young Entrepreneur scheme "graduate" who is the successful owner of Leapfrog Computers in Westhoughton.

On Track is organising a return visit from business guru Tom Edge, who impressed 180 guests when he spoke at the Ramada Jarvis Hotel in Blackrod earlier this year. Bolton Business Support Unit has booked Mr Edge for another talk at the Platinum Suite, Reebok Stadium on Monday, February 10.

Details of this and the On Track scheme -- for start-up businesses or those trading less than two years -- are available from Ross Bullock on 01204 336155.