MANCHESTER'S Commonwealth Games will leave a lasting legacy for the North-west economy, according to the Federation of Small Businesses.

The FSB -- which represents more than 17,000 members in Lancashire, Cheshire, Cumbria, Merseyside and Manchester -- believes that members from Cheshire to Cumbria could benefit from the goodwill and publicity that the Games generated for the region, as well as taking advantage of the skills honed by more than 11,000 volunteers.

FSB North-west policy chairman Mike Pearson said: "Hundreds of small businesses have already benefited in so many ways from the Games coming to the region.

"Those based in Manchester have seen the additional regeneration and a general feeling of goodwill throughout the city after the amazing feat of staging the event. Many also picked up contracts relating to some part of the Games.

"But the legacy of such a well-organised, well-attended and successful spectacle will last far longer and spread far wider than that.

"It's anticipated that the North-west will have upwards of 300,000 extra visitors every year simply as a result of the worldwide spotlight shining on the region in recent weeks.

"With areas such as Cumbria suffering such a blow to its tourism industry as a result of foot and mouth in recent years, an influx of visitors to the region, spending money in our cities and in rural areas, is a welcome boost."

But Mike also believes that there are smaller, less tangible benefits from the Games which should not be overlooked.

He explained: "More than 11,000 volunteers of all ages from across the UK and the North-west were credited with helping the games to be such a success. These hard-working people displayed great people skills as they helped visitors and athletes throughout the event. Many young people who volunteered will have received a massive boost to their confidence and been inspired by the experience.

"Small businesses are crying out for people with personality and confidence -- some of our members rate these qualities higher than academic qualifications -- the fact that so many people gave up their time to be part of the Games will only benefit employers in the long term."