BOLTON is to host a prestigious international business conference linked to this summer's Commonwealth Games.

Hundreds of high-powered delegates are expected to attend the event at the Reebok Stadium on Thursday, July 25 -- the day which sees the start of the Games in Manchester.

Information and Communication Technology companies from throughout the North-west will have the opportunity to make potentially lucrative contacts with representatives from India and other Commonwealth countries.

The event is part of the efforts being made by the Commonwealth Economic Benefits team which is based at the Manchester investment & Development Agency (MIDAS).

CEB aims to use the Games to boost inward investment in the North-west and encourage business deals with Commonwealth countries.

The North West Business Club -- an organisation similar to that which operated successfully at the Sydney Olympics in Australia -- has been formed to ensure that the Manchester Games also provide a showcase for enterprise.

The Bridgewater Hall in Manchester is the venue for most of the events which are planned to run alongside the sporting action between July 25 and August 4.

But Bolton is staging the badminton competition at the Bolton Arena and Rivington will be the focus for cycling and mountain biking events.

Pressure has therefore been exerted behind the scenes to bring one of the Games' business sessions to a town which is playing an important role in this major sporting bonanza.

Details have not been finalised yet, but it looks as though the Reebok conference will start at 9.30am and include a keynote speech from a national or international figure.

The Business Club intends to organise head-to-head meetings between North-west business people and matching Commonwealth counterparts.

Companies who want to take part need to join the North West Business Club by logging on to www.nwbusinessclub.com and submitting details.

Otherwise they should contact MIDAS at MIDAS House, Trafford Wharfside, Trafford Park, Manchester M17 1EX (tel: 0161-877-3000).

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Game on for businesses

Commonwealth link

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Apart from ICT, the other key sectors to be showcased by the club are aerospace, automotive, creative industries, environment, sports industries, healthcare and tourism.

The six main markets under discussion are Malaysia, Singapore, Australia, Canada, South Africa and India.

The event is likely to feature India extensively as the CEB is supporting a trade mission to the ICT Trade Show at Mumbai which lasts from today until February 10.

Bolton Council has a representative on the mission who will encourage Indian companies to come to Bolton during the Games with a view to developing successful business ties.

The Indian IT services and software industry is the 10th largest in the world.

Mission organisers believe that Indian IT companies, who are being hit by an economic slowdown in America, are now turning their attention to new markets in the UK and Europe.

They say opportunities exist for UK software companies to export to India and work with Indian companies to develop products and applications.

Development of the Bolton conference will escalate when the mission returns.

Sponsorship opportunities are available and anyone interested should contact Jacqueline Williams at Bolton Town Hall on 01204 336130 or by e-mail at: Jacqueline.Williams@bolton.gov.uk