BUSINESS Adviser Ted Martin was delighted with a "tremendous turnout" at the last meeting of the East Bolton Business Forum.

Nearly 40 businesses attended the event at the Watermillock in Crompton Way.

The Forum is one of the key elements of the ambitious scheme to help small and medium-sized enterprises in Breightmet, Tonge, Hall i'th' Wood and parts of Burnden, Darcy Lever and the Haulgh.

It is part of the Government's £20 million SRB 6 (Single Regeneration Budget) investment programme scheduled to unfold over the next six years.

The delegates were treated to a presentation from John Entwistle, the chairman of British Turntable, who explained how forums benefit business. He was followed by marketing consultant Alan Stopford, who gave advice on ways of making more profit.

Paul Hibbert from local design company i-Profile described the event later as "brilliant and inspirational."

The next Forum date has been set provisionally for June 11.

Mr Bill Singleton, senior business adviser for Bolton Council's Business Support Unit, said: "The business support programme has really taken off.

"To date we have advised over 80 business in just five months.

"The funding support is showing results and with 50 businesses wishing to take advantage of the 100 per cent funded web-site, we are not far away from a major campaign to promote www.business4eastbolton.co.uk to the local community."

Any companies in East Bolton SRB6 wishing to get involved and make their voice heard can contact Ted Martin on 336158 or register an interest on-line at

www.business4eastbolton.co.uk