More than 150 business people came together to discuss why they should “do business in Bolton.”

Then Bolton Means Business event was held with the aim of encouraging representatives from companies all over the borough to make connections.

It comes with Bolton Council having launched a survey asking business people what more can be done to promote economic growth.

Council deputy leader Cllr Akhtar Zaman said: “Bolton’s local businesses are at the heart of our economy and do a brilliant job in making Bolton a great place to invest.

“Thanks to today’s event, businesspeople discussed the benefits of doing work in Bolton, made new connections, and gathered leads for potential new work.

The Bolton News: L-R: Tom Pickford and Steven Green of SimplifiL-R: Tom Pickford and Steven Green of Simplifi (Image: Bolton Council)

“This forms part of our commitment to support the local economy and back Bolton companies.

“Whether you’re an entrepreneur, small business or simply interested in the local business scene, the Bolton Means Business event should be a key date in your calendar.”

The event also included 40 exhibitors who gave out expert advise on a range of topics.

These included from skills development and innovation to opportunities in the green economy.

As well as hearing from the exhibitors and celebrating the borough’s business community, the event also gave attendees the opportunity to network with each other.

The Bolton Means Business event was sponsored by BGH Simplifi and their speaker Tom Pickford, with Andrew Dickson MBE from Bolton FM acting as MC.

Key guests also included Lisa Kerford from Aptus Utilities, Bolton Council Director of Place, Jon Dyson, and Cllr Zaman.

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But the event also aimed to give attendees the opportunity to take part in a consultation about the council’s Economic Growth and Resilience Plan.

The plan will be based around the themes of people, business and investment, which will set out priorities to attract investment.

This aimed to give people the opportunity to feed back on what they think the council and its partners should be doing to promote sustainable economic growth.

The survey will be live until Sunday March 14.

People can give their views by going to the active consultations section on Bolton Council’s website or by emailing businessbolton@bolton.gov.uk.