INTERNET businesses in Bolton are being offered the chance to expand their markets.

Firms are being invited to a free seminar to tell them how they can benefit from changes which will make local authority public services available on line.

Companies who trade on the internet will now have a greater chance of being chosen as preferred suppliers as Bolton Council encourages e-business to meet Government targets.

A panel of speakers from the public and private sectors will share their knowledge and experience and offer a perspective from both a buying and selling viewpoint.

There will also be legal experts on hand to offer advice on trading on the internet and avoiding some of the pitfalls.

Company representatives will have the chance to put questions to panellists and network with other local businesses.

The seminar is being co-ordinated by a large network of organisations including Bolton Council.

Cllr John Byrne, executive member for economic development said: "Local authorities in England and Wales collectively spend £25 billion a year on bought in goods and services from 800,000 suppliers and all public purchasing will soon be transacted over the internet.

"This is because the Government has set a target for all public services to be available electronically by December 2005.

"We want to make sure that local companies are up to speed on the changes taking place so that they can benefit fully from these new developments."

The one-day event will take place on Thursday April 22nd at Bolton Arena. Contact Glynis Roebuck on 01204 336180. To register, contact Drop a line...a.middlemass@mmu.ac.uk.