BOLTON businessman Chris Houghton rubbed shoulders with the Chancellor on a visit to Downing Street.

Mr Houghton, the founder of technology service provider Eventura, was invited to London for a meeting featuring North West businesspeople and politicians about the Northern Powerhouse project.

He met with Bolton West MP Chris Green on the visit, and spoke with the Chancellor, George Osborne, about the scheme and the effects it will have on businesses in the region.

The Northern Powerhouse plan is designed to result in more powers being devolved to city regions, with a single accountable mayor set to govern the region.

Mr Houghton, who was crowned Business Person of the Year at last year's Bolton and Bury Business Awards, said he has reservations about the plan but that he is in favour in principle.

He said: "It was a very interesting visit, and it was a real honour to be invited to go down to London by the Chancellor.

"In general, it is a great idea to give the North West more power, it will create more jobs and make businesses more profitable.

"The improved rail and transport links will also be of benefit, because we will be able to have more trade and connections with the South East."

However Mr Houghton said he was concerned about the possibility of Bolton being left behind by the plans.

He said: "We have got to be careful, because from a Bolton perspective the new powers could be centralised in Manchester.

"Obviously Manchester is a big place but we don't want to see powers being too concentrated there so that Bolton doesn't see the benefit.

"But it is good that businesses are being consulted about the project. I don't think the Chancellor is going to be too gung-ho about the plans, and he is going to businesses for their support and for their views."

Bolton born and bred Mr Houghton set up Eventura more than a decade ago, and has worked with some of the world’s best-known technology firms including in the military and private sectors from its Bolton town centre base.

The firm currently expanding and plans to move into new purpose built premises in Westhoughton later this year.