AT Bolton Business Information Service (BBiS) in Bolton Town Hall we are often asked to source reliable market data in the form of statistics for business.

In the past few years what may have taken up yards of space on a library shelf and could be costly is increasingly becoming more freely available on the Internet.

Such data can be vital to help companies profile new markets or simplyput together a convincing business plan.

Here are just a few of the sources BBiS has used recently to help in this area: www.statistics.gov.uk

The official government website for statistics is a mine of information.

With data from press releases via individual government departments to specific social surveys covering areas of health, education and Crime amongst many topics dealt with here.

A brief search unearthed such gems as the British Crime Survey and the Adult Dental Health Survey -- both being areas we have had requests for by business in the past.

www.sbs.gov.uk/statistics/

This site is a good general starting point for information about SMES. However, statistics include press releases for total numbers of Small and Medium Sized enterprise in the UK and Business Start-Ups and Closures.

These are good examples of official statistics that can help provide baseline figures for industry and sector comparisons.

www.nomisweb.co.uk/

Since July 2001 this has been a free service providing information

regarding labour market and employment data. Site requires registration and is not the easiest to navigate.

Nonetheless, this is an important source of statistics regarding employment and earnings. www.rbs.co.uk/economics/uk_economy/default.htm

As well as official statistics, organisations such as the Royal Bank of Scotland publish reports that are treated with respect and often found quoted in the national press.

This site provides a number of reports that cover the UK and World Economy. Though the coverage of reports such as

the UK Quarterly Economic Update can be very broad, the data contained on this easy-to-navigate website is particularly easy to understand.

If you have any queries about BBiS's service to local business why not call the team on Bolton 336139 or by e-mail -- rob.hughes@bolton.gov.uk