BOLTON-based inventors, micro companies and business start-ups can show their innovative ideas to advisers and potential business partners at a major exhibition later this year.

The Business Enterprise Xchange (BEX) 2004 is a small and medium enterprise (SME) exhibition to be held on November 17 and 18 at the Manchester International Convention Centre.

Now in its third year, the free event has introduced the Ideas Factory for 2004. Innovators who register for the Ideas Factory will then be asked to submit a brief description of their company, detailing the type of help or advice they would need to take their business forward.

The BEX steering group, made up of members from the supporting organisations, will then select companies to take part to give a 15-minute pitch to advisors and potential investors. They will not be asked to prepare sleek presentations but to talk through their ideas.

BEX attracted almost 3,000 delegates last year who were looking for advice on marketing, funding and export. They also heard from leading speakers from a range of organisations. This year, Charles Allen, the new chief executive of ITV plc, will be speaking in one of his first engagements in his new role.

Companies interested in entering the Ideas Factory should call Out There Events on 0161 244 5825 for an entry form. To find out more about BEX 2004 or to register for a two-day delegate pass can visit www.bexnw.net or call 0161 244 5825.