ENGINEERING bosses are worried that many local firms will not be prepared when bills have to be paid in Euros from January 1 next year.

The legal currencies of Belgium, Austria, France, Finland, Luxembourg, Ireland, Netherlands, Germany, Portugal, Italy, Greece and Spain will cease to be legal tender from February 28.

Mr David Gavan, Bolton-based Chief Executive of EEF Lancashire, is worried that many local businesses are suffering from euro-fatigue and have not realised the impact that this important issue could have on their business.

He said: "There are obvious implications for companies directly involved in importing/exporting in the euro zone, but there are also implications for companies who are involved as part of a supply chain," he said.

But Mr Gavan has been worried by the poor response from EEF members to a series of free breakfast meetings on this issue.

The next one will be at Mere Hall, Bolton on July 19 at 7.45am.

It will also include a session on the HSC proposals regarding the health and safety responsibilities of directors and a brief outline of new proposals to make investigation of certain types of workplace accident mandatory.

Limited places are available. Contact Janette Greenwood on 01204 457711.