BUDDING entrepreneurs are being helped to develop new enterprises in the Farnworth and Little Hulton area.

Organisers of the Headstart programme, funded by the Little Hulton and Farnworth Partnership, are delighted with the response.

A spokesperson said: "The take-up by people interested in becoming self-employed has been better than projected."

They attend a Business Enterprise course, which covers the basics of running a business such as marketing, business plans, cash-flow forecasts, book-keeping, banking and insurance.

Inside-track advice and guidance is provided by an accountant, a solicitor and a representative from the Inland Revenue.

Fields of Flowers, a business run by American Heidi Crompton, is one of those to benefit from Headstart.

Advice received has helped 30-year-old Heidi turn a hobby into a thriving enterprise which has doubled in size and turnover since opened in Farnworth.

Heidi, a child psychologist in American hospitals, could not find a similar post when she moved to England.

She developed her skills and love of flowers when preparing for her marriage to Boltonian Francis almost four years ago.

After working for a supermarket's floristry section she decided to set up on her own.

Based in Higher Market Street, Fields of Flowers specialises in weddings and corporate clients.

There are three members of staff, two full-time.

"I have had wonderful support from Headstart since starting the business," Heidi said. "I always consult their advisors before making any big decisions."

Other business support schemes in the Partnership area have given backing and Heidi has had a grant and loan through the Prince's Youth Business Trust.

Outreach business counsellors for the Little Hulton and Farnworth area are supported by business advisors based at Bolton Enterprise Services (01204 336163) and Salford Hundred Venture (0161-742-4424).