tBOLTON'S bid to host a prestigious business event during the Commonwealth Games has been lost to Manchester.

Organisers of the Commonwealth Games Business Club have instead decided to host the huge event at the Bridgewater Hall.

At one point it was envisaged the event would be held at the Reebok Stadium when it appeared there would be a lack of available Manchester venues from July 25 to August 4.

But those hopes faded when the Bridgewater Hall stepped in. Organisers believed the more central location would boost attendance.

Some people thought holding it in Horwich would have made it easier for local businessmen to show off Bolton's attributes.

But regardless of location, Bolton businessmen are being urged to join the Club for an event which allows firms to develop potentially lucrative international contacts.

The Club follows the same lines as a similar successful scheme during the Sydney Olympics called Business Club Australia.

Mary Steane, director of Commonwealth Economic Benefits (CEB) said businesses throughout Greater Manchester would greatly benefit from the event's existence.

She said: "We hope this will be even more successful than the Club in Australia as we have their knowledge and expertise to draw from.

"We are keen for as many businesses as possible to sign up and take advantage of the benefits."

For more information, telephone Bolton Council's creative industries development team on 01204 336180.