BUSINESS leaders gathered together with education training providers at Bolton's first skills summit.

More than 80 delegates were present at the event at Bolton Holiday Inn, including from the financial, engineering, digital, retail and manufacturing sectors.

The visitors discussed their views and experiences on what is needed to ensure Bolton's workforce is equipped for the right skills for the future.

It was organised by Bolton Council and the Greater Manchester Combined Authority.

Cllr Ebrahim Adia, the authority's executive cabinet member for regeneration, said: "Our Bolton skills summit was a huge success.

"It is really important for us to understand the skills gaps businesses are experiencing and also for them to understand how they can get more involved in skills development.

"The feedback we have had will be used to shape skills provision at a Bolton and Greater Manchester level."

Warran Bolton, from Owl Tree Web Solutions in Calvin Street, said: "I would like to thank Bolton Council and partners for putting on this useful event.

"I am keen to link up and work on an employer and young people’s forum with students from the university, local colleges and schools to prepare students for the world of work and to create a better understanding of what each other’s requirements are.

"It is now really important to build on this and keep the momentum going."