BLUES fan Richard Bindless wakes up most mornings knowing that he has a busy working day in prospect.

The £56,000-a-year Chief Executive of Bolton Bury training and Enterprise Council has an annual budget of £14 million and is responsible for 120 employees.

It sounds like big business and in a way it is.

But Mr Bindless, aged 48, is not in the job because of an all-consuming fondness for entrepreneurial zeal.

Rather, the former teacher believes passionately in the need for all young people and adults to be helped to take their place in an inclusive society.

This is the sort of society where employers do not hide their heads in the sand and potential employees have the right skills, qualifications - and attitudes.

"Individuals and businesses deserve the best deal," he said.

BBTEC, a body established in 1989 following an initiative by the last government, plays an increasingly important role in the economic life of Bolton and Bury.

Mr Bindless is keen to help individuals become more employable and he also seeks to encourage companies to develop their workforces - and their businesses.

He was born in Ambleside and went to school in Morecambe.

After teacher training in Didsbury, Manchester he became a geography teacher in Oldham and Chadderton between 1970 and 1985.

Working with older pupils gave him a unique insight into the problems of low attainment and low self-esteem.

"I have always believed that youngsters are often let down by all of us," he says.

From 1985 to 1991 he worked at Stand College in Whitefield (later Bury College) and was in charge of curriculum development.

He was also involved in a successful approach to BBTEC for cash support for a college initiative to help women returning to learning and work.

This led to a 12-month secondment to BBTEC to develop education and business partnerships.

But he never went back to Bury College and in Spring, 1992 he was promoted to Deputy Chief Executive at BBTEC.

In December, 1995 he became Acting Chief Executive and was confirmed in the top job in April last year.

Mr Bindless and his wife Sue - a teacher - live in Oldham. Their children Matthew (19) and Jenny (16) are students.

Away from the job Mr Bindless likes listening to music (he is a member of a blues club in Oldham) and supporting various sports, including rugby union, which he used to play.

"I am absolutely devoted to sport," he said.

"I love the energy and emotion."

Recently Mr Bindless hosted a breakfast meeting at the Last Drop, Bromley Cross for senior local business people.

He was happy to play a listening role as they told him what was right - and wrong - with the BBTEC operation.

"Some useful points were made," he said.

BBTEC and Bolton and Bury Chamber of Commerce are currently heading towards a merger which it is hoped the Government will approve by the end of the year.

"We are looking forward to working with the Chamber staff and their members," Mr Bindless said.

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