A NEW staff member has joined the Bolton Business Information service this month.

Mark Ogden, previously at Chamber Business Enterprises in Manchester, has taken over as KIC (Knowledge Information and Commerce) contact officer from Sophie Bishop, who has moved to another job in Manchester.

The KIC project has been helping companies and individual entrepreneurs since 1998.

It has access to patent information sources which provide data for new inventions, background product research, trademark databases, knowledge of the intellectual property business support network and a free intellectual property resources guide.

BBiS is part of Bolton Council's Economic and Physical Development Unit and is based in Bolton Town Hall.

Services are free to Bolton companies and individuals.

Rob Hughes, the BBiS Manager, said: "Our customers have included start-ups and well-established firms with ideas from gardening tools to hi-tech engineering solutions.

"This project has shown us what a high level of innovation there is in Bolton and with the wide range of information and support services available for enterprise within the borough, it is the ideal place to locate innovative business."

KIC is part-funded by the EPDU and European regional development funding.

More information is available from the BBiS team on 01204 336139 or by e-mail on rob.hughes@bolton.gov.uk