A PRESTIGIOUS business conference will give Bolton an early taste of the Commonwealth Games spirit today (Thursday).

About 100 delegates are to attend an all-day Information & Communications Technology Forum at the Reebok Stadium ahead of the official Games opening ceremony in Manchester this evening.

The networking and match-making event for local, North-west and Commonwealth companies is being organised by the Commonwealth Games Business Club and will be hosted by Bolton Council.

Mr Pat Rattigan, Assistant Director of the council's Regeneration Economic Development Division, said today: "We are very pleased to host this international business networking event .

"Bolton is keen to forge strategic economic and business alliances with countries from the Commonwealth.

"This event presents an ideal opportunity for Bolton and the North-west to show the important contribution made by the ICT sector to both the UK and global economy."

The Commonwealth Games Business Club, which is based on the successful operation which ran alongside the Sydney Olympics in Australia, has its official launch tomorrow at the Bridgewater Hall in Manchester, the venue for most of the events it is organising to complement the sports activity.

Guests will include the Earl and Countess of Wessex.

Digby Jones, Director General of the Confederation of British Industry, will speak at the Bridgewater Hall and again the following day at the Reebok.

He will address an "Indian Luncheon" hosted by Trade Partners UK. The Mayor of Bolton, Cllr John Walsh, will welcome visitors in the morning.

Mr Bill Daring of Stockport-based KMP Internet, who will be chairman during the event, said today: "KMP Internet has already seen the benefits of trading with international partners and we know the event will give us a fantastic opportunity to meet a wide range of overseas and UK companies right here on our doorstep."

Bolton's Ethnic Minority Business Service has been promoting the forum throughout the North-west as part of its lead role with the North-west Commonwealth Games Ethnic Minority Enterprise Initiative.

Sikander Badat, head of Bolton EMBS, said: "India is at the forefront of ICT development and this event presents an ideal opportunity for all businesses to develop relationships and collaborative ventures with companies from India, helping to improve the competitiveness of UK plc."

After the speeches there will be opportunities for North-west companies to attend seminars on subjects such as online data protection, call centres and e-learning.

There will also be the chance to forge meaningful relationships with Commonwealth counterparts.

Bolton business who are interested can contact Jackie Williams on 01204 336130 or Sikander Badat on 01204 336148.