BOOM town Bolton is experiencing a new industrial revolution with companies queuing up to move into the town.

Business leaders have revealed that so many companies want to relocate to Bolton from other parts of the UK that in many cases there is not enough property, or land, to meet demand.

Inquiries from firms soared by 90 per cent last year compared to the previous 12 months, town hall business chiefs have revealed.

One leading councillor said: "Bolton is so successful and attractive to companies because it has maintained the level of innovation that led the Industrial Revolution."

Company bosses are being attracted by the area's loyal workforce and good transport links, as well as soaring confidence in the local economy.

Andy Ratcliff, business liaison and inward investment manager at Bolton Council, said: "There is an incredible amount of activity. Our telephone never stops ringing from businesses looking to expand and grow here.

"Confidence in the local economy is also on a high and Bolton has all the attributes that company chief executives demand when relocating."

He believes the loyal reputation of the borough's workers and high standards in education and housing are the main attraction.

Good motorway links, competitive labour costs, and close proximity to Manchester Airport are also major pulling factors, he claims.

Last year, business advisers received more than one serious inquiry every day of the year from firms wishing to find premises in Bolton.

Major business that have moved into the town recently include the Audit Commission, which took up office space at the Middlebrook Enterprise Park, and the Royal Bank of Scotland, which opened a call centre nearby.

Cllr John Byrne, executive member for economic development and housing strategy, believes business is booming. He said: "It is a very exciting time for business and the benefits flow right through the local economy.

"Bolton has maintained the level of innovation that led the Industrial Revolution and that is maybe what is proving to be so attractive to businesses from outside the borough."

Last year, Bolton's unemployment figures fell from 3.1 per cent to 2.9 per cent, which is among the lowest rate in the North-west.

Mark Evans, director of MDA, a company renting office space to companies, said the borough had become a popular place for both UK-based and foreign controlled businesses.

A survey carried out by his firm also found that 88 per cent of Bolton-based businesses that are relocating to larger premises want to stay in the borough.

Mr Evans said: "We expect 2004 to be our busiest year ever. A climate of climbing house prices and better shopping facilities add a feelgood factor to business in Bolton and we have been able to take advantage of that."

He was confident the town's success would continue over the next few years.