A NEW "dating agency" for Bolton and Bury businesses has had a "phenomenal" first week.

Business Advantage -- a new division of Bolton and Bury Chamber of Commerce -- links companies which want to sell with those which want to buy.

Kathryn Czaja, the chamber's commercial director, is delighted with the response to last week's official launch and the detailed coverage in our Business.comReview.

The Business Advantage team has heard from nearly 100 companies and is in the process of assessing them to see whether they can be matched with other businesses.

"Nearly everyone we have been to see thinks it is is a terrific idea," Kathryn said. One success involves Academy Fleet Services in Whitefield and Key Control Services in Walshaw, Bury.

Chamber Advantage involvement has resulted in two-way business.

"We are taking new inquiries all the time," Kathryn said. "We are getting about 50 calls a day."

Business worth more than £1 million is up for grabs.

Potential suppliers interested in any of these categories are asked to quote the reference number when they contact the Business Advantage team on the hotline (0845 1773599) or by e-mail on hotline@businessadvantage.info

Experts will give more information and make introductions at a later date if deals look possible. Inquiries to date 01 Stationery Supplies (envelopes, letterhead, compliment slips, computer consumables etc)

02 Electronic components, particularly diodes capacitors

03 Dry cleaning chemicals

04 Computers and associated equipment

05 Domestic furniture particularly settees, dining furniture etc.

06 Electrical motors

07 Raw Steel ie. tubes and bars

08 PVC profiles (interior use ie. doors, windows etc)

09 Reprographic films and cromalin rolls

10 Motor Components (clutch plates, plugs, brake discs etc)

11 Cleaning chemicals and supplies eg. paper towels, wash room chemicals etc

12 Stainless steel components eg. profiles

13 Glass (4ml for exterior use in Stock Size Sheets)

14 Sanding discs (various sizes and grades)

15 Agricultural tyres

16 Domestic tyres

17 Computer maintenance

18 Mild steel plate sizes 6ft x 20ft

19 Steel tanks

20 Industrial chemicals

21 Multi media design for websites

22 Mobile telephones

23 Data circuits with band width upgrade capability

24 Corporate land and property asset management system

25 Document management system eg. scanning service

26 Vehicle satellite navigation systems

27 PVC windows

28 Timber doors and fencing

29 Grass cutting equipment

30 Plant hire, particularly small plant

31 Ophthalmic equipment

32 Fire extinguishers

33 Ground maintenance equipment

34 Laptop projectors

35 E-commerce supplier

36 Legal specialists

37 Human resources consultancy

38 Quality management, consultancy and training

39 Market research company

40 Telemarketing company

41 IT systems and maintenance

42 Recruitment specialists

43 Waste management brokerage

44 Production efficiencies specialists

45 Outside catering

46 Industrial thread, zips and buttons

47 Supplier of plastic pellets (for plastic manufacturing process)

48 Graphic pens (for drawing and design purposes)

49 Paper, board and associated materials for the printing industry

50 Printing inks

Companies required to work with the chamber on projects

Database management specialists; sales and marketing consultancies; promotional specialists; PR specialists; design and print companies; human resources specialists; security consultants; premises consultants; waste management brokerage; domestic electricity and telecom; logistic specialists; purchase and supply training company; internet service providers; e-commerce specialists.