LOCAL businesses will be taking a close look at the multi-million pound opportunities presented by a new Government computer link-up.

A new North-west register has been launched to match projects and suppliers under the Government's Private Finance Initiative scheme.

The PFI Warehouse database is a joint initiative by the Government Office for the North-west, the Government Office for Merseyside and accountants and business advisers KPMG.

The database will encourage the development of a market in PFI schemes by linking a detailed analysis of public sector needs with the finance, services and facilities available from private businesses. It is expected to be up and running within the next few weeks.

Michael Jack, Financial Secretary to the Treasury, spoke recently on PFI opportunities to an audience of business leaders in Wigan.

The Government says a wide range of education, housing, health, transport, environment, prison and office accommodation projects has already been identified throughout the North-west - offering the potential for millions of pounds worth of new business in the region.

Initial inquiries on the PFI Warehouse should be made to the Government Office for the North-west (0161-952-4329) or the Government Office for Merseyside (0151-224-6452). Anybody interested in receiving application forms and further information can fax contact details to Colin Balkman at 0161-838-4040 or 0151-473-5209.

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