BOLTON businesses are being offered online business coaching as part of a new network.

The scheme, "Minding Your Own Business", has been set up by local accountants Cowgill Holloway. It is the first of its kind in the region and aims to drive the tired business club idea into the 21st century.

Members of the new group will have access to one-to-one business coaching from their home or office, and their own personal facilitator online.

Experts from around the country will be ready to share the latest management tools and techniques.

Real life business problems will be solved at every monthly Business Minder Workshop, and each member will receive an action plan for the growth strategies they discuss.

Minding Your Own Business was being launched today at Shaw Hill Golf and Country Club, near Chorley.

"This is a hands-on interactive network, rather than just a polite chat at a meeting once a month. Businesses will also be offered a diagnostic review to help them assess the potential of their business.

The scheme is aimed at North-west entrepreneurs, owners of growing businesses, businesses that have reached a plateau and those who are actively seeking an exit.

Several businesses in the region have already signed up. John Mullin, head of business consulting at Cowgill Holloway, said: "Everyone knows the benefits of a business club or network, but we wanted to take this idea a step further.

"Businesses want more value from a networking club today and this idea will help them to solve the real life issues and problems they face.

"By using the Internet, we can communicate with businesses directly and provide a 24-hour response to real problems as they happen."