A SPECIAL event to help Bury companies take the sting out of the new Climate Change Levy will be staged next week.

Bolton and Bury Chamber stress that the levy will "seriously affect" the wealth of many local businesses.

Now, at a lunch to be held on Wednesday, (Aug 22) the Chamber will advise local companies on how to lessen the impact of the new charge.

Driving down business costs in a range of areas, from telecoms to vehicle management and healthcare, will also be on the lunch menu.

The event, targeted at business owners and managing directors, will mark the official launch of the Chamber's new commercial services portfolio. This is designed to offer members access to high quality business services that will boost their operational efficiency and help them become more competitive.

It will also be an effective networking opportunity. Guests will be encouraged to change table after every lunch course at the Last Drop, Bolton, to offer them maximum opportunities to get to know their fellow business leaders.

The first presentation will be led by Chamber Energy service providers, Utility Auditing, who will advise companies how to purchase their utilities more cost effectively.

Exit strategy and succession planning for company directors and shareholders will be debated during a brief presentation by the Chamber's financial advisers, Inter-Alliance PLC, who will also guide guests on wealth strategies and management.

Businesses will also be able to find out how to cut their overheads on vehicle management, healthcare and telecoms.

Further details about the lunch are available from Neil Walmsley on 01204 374744.