BURY'S Young Enterprise scheme is seeking volunteer business advisers to help young entrepreneurs from local schools run their own companies.

The educational charity aims to give young people a unique learning opportunity by helping them set up their own business.

And the initiative assists them to harness a number of vital business skills such as communication, team work, decision-making and many others needed by today's employers.

Each year, motivated young people from local high schools, colleges and special schools join Young Enterprise.

They run weekly meetings after school, at which they make key business decisions on such matters as what to make and sell, functional directors, marketing and advertising campaigns, selling shares and bank accounts.

The young entrepreneurs gain an NVQ level two qualification, and the chance to present their business story at a presentation evening in March next year, attended by all local sponsoring companies. The scheme, sponsored by many local companies, is seeking new volunteers willing to pass on their skills, expertise and enthusiasm to help build a team of budding entrepreneurs.

Young Enterprise development manager Chris Fletcher said: "Volunteer advisers gain a tremendous amount from investing just an hour and a half each week from September to April.

"Working as an adviser provides a unique and challenging career development opportunity, the chance to meet other advisers from local companies, make new contacts and, of course, all advisers gain a certificate to recognise their involvement."

Chris added: "We are seeking volunteers from all walks of life, business and social backgrounds, from clerical staff to senior managers. All have something worthwhile to offer in terms of advice."

Full training will be given. For further information call Chris Fletcher on 01942 705750 or 07903 586168.