MATCHMAKING was on the menu at the Business Advantage Valentine's lunch.

The Bolton and Bury Chamber team introduced buyers to sellers and vice-versa as part of its pioneering initiative to help local firms win more business.

More than £5 million worth of contracts was up for grabs at the lunch, which also featured an exhibition by the Chamber's cost-cutting commercial service providers.

Kathryn Czaja, commercial services director for the Chamber: "We felt that Valentine's Day was the perfect occasion for our first Business Advantage lunch, because we would describe ourselves as a sophisticated dating agency that links up those companies that want to sell with those that want to buy.

"The other key area is helping businesses to cut their costs and improve their supply chain management."

Hundreds of local businesses have already signed up to join Business Advantage -- aware of the competitive advantage they can enjoy by increasing their sales and reducing their costs.

The guest speaker at the event was former Houghton Weavers frontman Norman Prince.

Businesses can find out more about Business Advantage by phoning 0845 1773599, looking at businessadvantage@chamberhelp.co.uk

Pictured (l-r)

at the Business Advantage lunch

MATCHMAKERS' LUNCH: Stephen Miley, GUI Logic Ltd; Martyn Edwards, Academy Fleet Services; Leanne Goodwin Brown, Jobwise; Peter Fogg, Vehicles 4 Business, David Atherton, Dabs.Com; and Sandra Pickering of Jobwise enjoyed their Valentine's Day meeting