ETHNIC minority retailers attended a specialised training programme designed to help them compete for sales.

Bolton Council's Ethnic Minorities Business Service organised the three-day event to support shopkeepers who are facing increased pressure -- particularly from large supermarket chains.

Tesco has just announced that it hopes to acquire 1,000 T&S convenience stores -- trading under the One Stop and Nite and Day brands -- for £519 million.

Supermarket groups are understood to be looking towards the high street because it is becoming harder to get planning permission for out of town superstores.

The Institute of Asian Businesses, which represents traditional corner shop enterprises throughout the country, has warned that thousands of Asian shop owners could be badly hit by the move.

The EMBS programme emphasised important issues such as having the right image to increase sales, effective marketing for retailers and providing good customer service.

It was available to businesses in the East Bolton Regeneration area -- Breightmet, Tonge, Hall i' th' Wood and parts of Burnden, Darcy Lever and The Haulgh. Sikander Badat, Head of the EMBS, said: "This specialised level of training is usually provided to managers of large chain groups. "The businesses that participated will definitely benefit from this programme and will have a professional approach to running their business." Harilal Bhabhani and his wife Chandan, who have run Tushar News on Thicketford Road, Bolton for the last six years, found the programme useful.

Mr Bhabhani, aged 32, who is known as Harry, said: "The world is very cruel when you come to business." The course confirmed many things he already knew, but he was sure many of the first time business owners involved would have learned useful tips.

He is conscious of increased competition all the time, but has survived by introducing new lines such as groceries, stamps and gas and electricity meter cards."