THE Bolton One chapter of Business Network International (BNI) has been awarded the Founder's Award for 2001 in recognition of its networking achievements.

This award is only given to those chapters which make up the top 10 per cent of chapters worldwide and Bolton is one of six UK chapters -- and the only one in the North-west -- to have received this accolade.

On presentation of the award Rod Sloane, Regional Director, said: "This award recognises the attitude and commitment of the members of the Bolton One chapter.

"More than 30 local business people meet every week to promote and grow their own businesses and that of the other chapter members."

He said members received visitors in a very warm and welcoming way, pro-actively promoted the members' businesses, operated a mentoring scheme for new members and kept a folder of written testimonials of members' products and services.

Chapter Director Tony Tickle said: "We are honoured to receive this award from the founder of BNI, Ivan Misner, which recognises the contribution to local business that our members have made over the last few years. "All business people are welcome to come along and join us on a Friday at the David Lloyd centre in Bolton.

"Or you can find out more about BNI and our members by visiting our chapter's web site -- www.bnibolton.co.uk."

BNI is a business referral organisation that allows only one person from each profession to join a chapter.

All participants carry other members' business cards to hand to people who might need their products or services.

There are now more than 2,325 Chapters and 46,500 members worldwide.

In Bolton there are two chapters which both meet at the David Lloyd Centre -- one on a Thursday morning and the other on a Friday morning.

Pictured with members and the Founder's Award are, from left, Membership Co-ordinator Harold Lever, Chapter Director Tony Tickle and Secretary/Treasurer David Haywood