A BOLTON executive search and selection consultancy has established an Isle of Man connection.

Matthews Harris, based in Lower Bridgeman Street, is acting for three IoM companies at the moment and hopes to attract others.

The clients are looking for Investment, Marketing and IT managers at salaries of between £40,000 and £50,000 a year.

Andrew Harris, who has run the business with partner Jacqueline Matthews for four years, says they are thinking about a permanent presence on the island. "We are talking to someone about working with us on an associate level," Mr Harris said.

The consultancy has been looking at the booming Isle of Man economy since it became one of the sponsors of the Isle of Man vessel, currently taking part in the BT Global Challenge yacht race.

"There are about 1,000 registered vacancies on the Isle of Man," Mr Harris said. "It is a recruitment paradise."

Liverpool-born Andrew and Jacqui, originally from West Bromwich, established their consultancy in the Bolton Business Centre.

The business, which deals mostly with people earning between £30,000 and £100,000 a year, operates throughout the UK and in South Africa, Singapore and the Middle East.

There are now 12 employees and the consultancy is considering a move to larger premises in the Bolton area. "We are looking for somewhere with a bit of character," Mr Harris said. "We want to stay in the Bolton area."