THE Bolton Business Environment Network was relaunched at a gala event where guests won and lost fortunes -- in fun money.

"Don't Gamble On The Environment" was the theme of an evening attended by more than 70 people at the David Lloyd Centre in Chorley Street, Bolton.

It ended with an auction where guests used the "money" won on the tables to bid for prizes donated by Bolton companies.

Until last June, BBEN was a division of EEF Lancashire and was run as a partnership with Bolton Council, Bolton Institute, Bolton and Bury Chamber and Groundwork North West.

But the ending of European funding led to BBEN being relaunched as a not-for-profit limited liability company with representatives from the partner organisations as board members.

The Mayor of Bolton, Cllr Kevan Helsby, said that Bolton Council was delighted to reaffirm its support and commitment to the Bolton Business Environment Network.

"It should be obvious to us all that the environment is becoming a very significant issue for business," he said.

"To this end it is important that our businesses in Bolton do not miss out on the help and advice that is available.

"It is vital that in Bolton we ensure that companies capitalise on the obvious advantages of becoming more environmentally aware." Cllr Helsby presented membership certificates to David Peake of Active Tree Management; Guy Harkin, chairman of Bolton Wise; Bob Curran of Bethell Group; Penny and John Thompson of Magnet Store; and Gervase Gillibrand of GG Safety and Environmental.

There was also a presentation to recognise the achievement of Silcoms Ltd in winning a Bolton Civic Pride Award and the Environment category in this year's Bolton and Bury Business Awards.

Chairman of the BBEN board, Peter Callon of Peter Hunt's Bakery Foods, paid tribute to BBEN managing director Anne Cletheroe and her team.

"We still have some difficulties to face but, following the relaunch of BBEN as a limited company, we are confident of the future," he said.

Mr Callon said plans included working with North Manchester Business Link to establish a Greendesk project to advise the local business community on recycling, waste minimisation, energy conservation and general environmental awareness.

He added: "We shall be working with Bolton MBC's Commercial Waste Services Department to provide a newsletter, a helpline and a waste exchange directory for their 3,000 customers.

"We have clearly demonstrated that there is a real need for BBEN's services within the borough."