businesses in Rossendale, hit by the recession, are waking up to new opportunities thanks to an entrepreneur.

Tracy Heatley, from Loveclough, has launched two new Business over Breakfast (BoB) clubs at Dodah’s restaurant in Rawtenstall and Red Hall Hotel in Ramsbottom.

The aim of the club is give businesses a platform to pro-mote themselves to other companies so they can work closer together and share their expertise.

The former marketing expert was inspired to set up her own business following the death of her father, Charles Hodson, two years ago, who died of cancer, age 68.

She said: “At the time of my dad’s illness, I was busy with my marketing agency.

“However, because I had to take a lot of time off to look after my dad, I began to realise marketing wasn’t what I want-ed to do.

“I didn’t want to be managing several people, I wanted to work for myself so I decided to focus all my energies on making BoB club a success. Losing my dad was one of the most difficult periods I have had to face but it made me realise life is too short, and that I should just go for it.

“It was definitely the right decision and I haven’t looked back.”

Tracy, 37, who lives with her 18-year-old son Lewis, already oversees six breakfast clubs around the region and is look-ing to launch another four in the summer.

The hard-working mum has put her recent success down to a simple business formula.

She said: “The secret of my success is the fact that I am doing something I thoroughly enjoy.”

For details of BoB clubs, call Tracy on 01706 831400 or visit www.bobclubs.com.