A NORTH Yorkshire man has set out to prove that not only sports stars can benefit from coaches - businessmen can too.

Stuart Johnson, who has set up companies from scratch and successfully led many "change management" programmes, is now hoping to use his experiences to help others.

With more than 30 years in sales, marketing and senior management behind him, the 55-year-old has decided to become a business coach.

And to celebrate his career change, Stuart is running a series of free business start-up seminars.

The sessions will give business owners top tips on how to transform their enterprises, make more money and achieve their goals.

Free coaching sessions and a business health check worth £395 are also up for grabs for everybody who attends one of the seminars.

Stuart, who works for ActionCoach, said: "The main reason that most business owners decide to work with a business coach is money. They realise that they are simply not earning enough to remunerate them for all of the hard work they are putting in.

"Most of the problems encountered by business owners relate to time, people or money.

"For example, many owners get so involved in their day-to-day work, that they don't have the time or know-how to both manage the business and drive it forward, or they tend to delegate tasks rather than responsibility, so they always end up having to check that jobs have been done properly."

Stuart, of Harrogate, helps clients to set goals and put steps in place to achieve them.

He is also on hand to provide day-to-day guidance, support and encouragement.

He said: "What I do is coach my clients how to do the work themselves rather than do it for them, like a consultant would.

"Coaching is incredibly effective and really can help to turn around a business."

To find out more about the seminars and coaching sessions, phone Stuart on 0845 2701404, or email stuartjohnson@actioncoach.com