BOLTON and Bury Chamber is reminding innovative firms and individuals that they can apply at any time for funding from the DTI's Smart programme.

The awards -- now made monthly on a competitive basis -- are designed to help with research and development of technologically innovative products and processes.

The aim is to turn bright ideas into commercially viable products.

Smart awards of up to £45,000 are made to individuals and small firms (fewer than 50 employees) undertaking feasibility studies into innovative techniques.

Grants of up to 30 per cent of costs (maximum £124,000) are available for development projects at firms with fewer than 250 employees.

More information is available from Roger Mitchell at Bolton and Bury Chamber's Business Link -- 0161-762-3300.