A NEW survey by the British Chambers of Commerce -- incorporating responses from Bolton and Bury members -- highlights the soaring costs of employers' and public liability insurance.

The results show that in the North-west 10.9 per cent of manufacturers and 3.8pc of other businesses have been refused insurance cover altogether and 19pc of manufacturers and 15pc of other businesses are seeing increases in premiums of between 50 and 100pc.

The survey has formed part of the BCC's lobbying on the issue, which helped influence a proposed government review of Employers Liability insurance, announced by the Chancellor in his Pre Budget Report.

Meanwhile, the BCC is seeking assurances that businesses will not have to shoulder similar levels of increase next year and beyond.