LOCAL businesses attended the launch of Go Global -- a new initiative led by Bolton and Bury Chamber's Business Link.

Go Global provides a fully-integrated international trade package for local companies -- whether they are complete novices or experienced exporters.

The programme begins with a free analysis to determine a company's international potential.

In the second stage -- planning -- the Go Global partnership works with the company to develop a comprehensive international strategy.

At this stage companies contribute a nominal £500 towards costs, which are heavily subsidised by the European Regional Development Fund.

In the final implementation phase, the Go Global team offers the company subsidised support which includes market research, supply chain development and mentoring.

All participants have access to a dedicated web-site which includes a permanent "virtual exhibition" of their products and services.

The site allows communications via an extranet system and provides 'hot links' to other support agents and providers.

Go Global is funded by Trade Partners UK and the European Development Fund.

Local management partners include Strategem, Scintra, Bolton Institute, Bolton Council and Bolton Business Ventures.

Pictured at the launch are, left to right, Les Aykroyd of Bolton Institute, Sikander Badat of Bolton Council, Julian Birchett from the Chamber's Business Link, Peter Weidenbaum, Chairman of the Chamber's Export Club, Tony Aggawal of Strategem, Bernadette Gibbs of Bolton Institute and Roger Bromley of Scintra.