A FINANCE firm has chosen Bolton as the site for its first northern office as it embarks on big expansion plans.

Hertfordshire-based Rossmore Finance, which is planning to open branches all over the country, opened its first regional branch in Blackburn Road, Astley Bridge.

Rossmore, a 28-year-old company, deals with small and large firms needing finance and associated facilities which they cannot obtain from banks and other sources.

The Bolton branch is being managed by Linda Worth, who has lived in Astley Bridge since 1996, but is originally from the Lake District.

The move to Bolton was launched with a business presentation, lunch and talk at Deane Golf Club, which attracted 30 local firms.

Ivan Rosen, the firm’s national managing director, said: “We’re finding that many businesses are having difficulty obtaining finance from banks or are having facilities cut or withdrawn, such as overdrafts, which does them no good.

“A lot of people are being made unemployed because firms don’t have access to finance, which is sad.

Many redundant people have good trades and skills and they should be able to work.

“We can offer finance and help businesses expand.”

Mr Rosen said he wanted Rossmore to become a household name with a branch on every high street. He said the company chose the location because it had a lot of passing trade.

“Bolton is a town with loads of business and activity,” he said.

“We’re going to open another Bolton branch and are already looking at sites.”

Rossmore’s other services include internet search optimisation, invoice and debt support, accountancy, legal and property work.