THE University of Bolton may not be able to compete with the likes of Oxford and Cambridge educationally but it has some incredible strengths.

Its involvement in traditional non-educational areas like the town’s sports’ stadium and elsewhere reveals business acumen and forward thinking.

Now, it has struck a deal with Bury Council to develop education and business for future generations in Bury as well as in Bolton.

It makes sense to spread the net both abroad and closer to home in a bid to attract new students and local businesses in order to offer the best educational and business experiences.