A COLNE businesswoman is fronting an appeal to boost East Lancashire business.

Wendy Bowers, of Colne-based consultants Hilton Bowers Associates, is one of the three founders of a support network which is being set up to help local entrepreneurs.

The group will be officially launched with a free wine-tasting event on June 29 at The Exchange, in Spring Lane, Colne, at 7pm. And business people from across Lancashire are being invited.

A team of experienced business people will be on hand to provide advice.

The network -- called "New" -- will involve regular meetings including tailored sessions to provide advice for new businesses.

A range of guest speakers will be invited to give advice on how existing business can be strengthened and made more successful.

Wendy Bowers said: "New is the name we are giving to a new, independent network run by business people for business people to offer advice and inspiration.

"Running or starting a business can sometimes be a daunting and lonely experience.

"This lively network will change all that by strengthening businesses in Lancashire through sharing ideas, business experience and by offering mutual support.

"Anyone from Lancashire or Yorkshire is welcome to come along and they will make contacts and get advice and support.

"The people who come could be about to start their business or could have been running it for five or six years."

More information: Call Wendy on 07929 917701.