EURO MP Gary Titley is finding out first hand how funding from Europe is benefiting Bury.

He was due to meet the Bury Business Environment Association today, who are benefitting from nearly £520,000 of European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) money.

Bury BEA assists small and medium-sized businesses in the Bury area to be more competitive, through developing environmentally friendly products, practices and processes. It provides awareness raising and information on the benefits of good health, safety and environmentally friendly practices and products. In addition it gives on-site support, action planning and company specific assistance to help businesses address shortfalls and to access grant aid to develop their productive capacity, management systems and environmental impact.

Bury Council's European and External Funding Manager, Hilary Sayers, added: "Organisations like Groundwork Bury have a significant impact and bring real benefits to our borough. Thanks to the ERDF monies, that work is set to continue for some time yet. Meanwhile, the council will continue to try and identify other forms of European funding that Bury can take advantage of."