BOLTON Council is up and running with its new ONTRACK scheme designed to help entrepreneurs.

European funding has been secured to provide this successor to the Young Entrepreneur and Fastrack schemes which ended last year.

ONTRACK is administered by Bolton Business Support Unit (formerly the council's Enterprise Services department) and has received support through the European Regional Development Fund, Bolton Council, Business Link for North Manchester, Barlow Andrews, HSBC Bank and Vizcom Design.

Business Counsellor Ross Bullock said today: "It is open to all business owners who are starting a business in Bolton, or who have been trading for less than two years.

"They must demonstrate entrepreneurial flair and growth potential which includes employing someone other than themselves.

More information is available from Mr Bullock on 01204 336155 or you can e-mail him on ross.bullock@bolton.gov.uk

"Participants will benefit from close monitoring, bespoke consultancies, workshops and be invited to a residential week-end."

Mr Bullock said 17 people attended a residential weekend in Lancaster which included speeches from Andrew Dickson of St Andrews Travel and partners from Barlow Andrews chartered accountants.

Mr Gerry Marsden of Hearing Resolutions said: "It was a great weekend and I got a lot out of it.

"I know my fellowing delegates found it equally beneficial."

More information is available from Mr Bullock on 01204 336155 or you can e-mail him on ross.bullock@bolton.gov.uk

Mr Bullock is pictured addressing a seminar which gave advice on marketing business websites.