BRIGHT ideas are needed to help Bolton and the North-west build jobs and prosperity for the future.

The £1.5 million i-zone at Bolton Institute -- incubator units which provide help and support for technology-based entrepreneurs -- is a significant new development for the town.

Mr Ted Martin, who has been Business Adviser for the East Bolton Regeneration Business Support Programme for the last 15 months, has now moved into the 12-unit complex next to the Institute's Eagle Mall in College Way.

It is a joint venture between Campus Ventures and Bolton Institute.

Mr Martin has been appointed by Campus Ventures to act as Incubator and Enterprise Support Manager.

He is now on the lookout for potential wealth-creators who can benefit from a system -- based on an American idea -- which Campus Ventures already operates successfully in Manchester, Barrow-in-Furness and Padiham.

The i-zone is part of the North West Development Agency's strategy for the economic development of the region and is backed by the European Regional Development Fund and the Department of Trade and Industry.

Mr Martin said: "In five years' time, if we are doing our job right, there will be a number of leading technological businesses employing lots of people. That has to be good for the town."

Mr Martin said companies interested in the i-zone needed to be based in the region, possess intellectual property, have a clear route to market and have high growth potential for a £1 million turnover within three years.

Those accepted by a Campus Ventures panel receive help and assistance over three years, estimated to be worth £52,000. Incubator users are incorporated as limited companies and given the services of a non-executive chairman who acts as a mentor.

Other benefits include VAT, payroll and management accountancy, access to research facilities at Bolton Institute, public relations advice, participation in an entrepreneurs' training programme and free sessions with accountants, patent agencies and law firms which hope to secure fees when the business becomes successful.

"We are looking for local professionals to support this part of the programme," Mr Martin said. The i-zone is to be opened by Science Minister Lord Sainsbury on April 7.

Anybody interested in this facility can contact Mr Martin on 01204 903778.

There is an emphasis on technical textiles because this is a field in which Bolton Institute has a world-wide reputation, but Mr Martin says other ideas are equally welcome.

He said the first company to be incubated over three years could be moving in by the end of April.

BUSINESS ADVISER: Ted Martin in the i-zone.

Campus Ventures, which is based at Manchester University, has created 100 companies employing 800 high-tech workers since it was formed in 1995.

Campus Ventures helps identify funding opportunities which can include Department of Trade and Industry SMART awards.