SMALL businesses in Bolton are being warned about a fresh wave of "grant consultants" who claim they can provide thousands of pounds worth of European funding - in return for advance fees of up to £350.

David Wainwright, partner at Farnworth-based certified accountants Thomson Morley Jackson, says: "One of our self-employed clients in Bolton was approached by telephone and, after just a few cursory questions, offered up to £14,000 in EU grants.

"Sensibly, he refused to pay the advance fee demanded and contacted us for advice.

"The slick operators who set up in a large business centre such as Manchester find it relatively easy to take fees from a number of small businesses in exchange for a list of the grants they might - and I emphasise might - be entitled to.

"The information provided is available free of charge from Training and Enterprise Councils and Business Links. "Moreover, reputable grant brokers will never charge in advance for their services. They work purely on the basis of an agreed rate of commission, paid only after the funding is in the hands of their client."

Mr Wainwright added: "Any business which is approached by someone offering information on grants should tread carefully.

"If you are genuinely interested in finding out about grant funding, contact Bolton Bury TEC, or an established accountant or grant broker to get information free of charge."

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