BURY'S drive to encourage even more businesses to take advantage of information and communication technology continues next month.

On Tuesday, September 25, the Bury Business Network, which is an initiative of IT advisors, ISaware and is supported by Bury Council's economic development unit, will stage their second free exhibition and conference.

Entitled "IT Means Business for Bury", the event is to be held at the Bolholt Country Park Hotel in Walshaw Road, Bury, and will run from 1pm-7pm.

Sponsored by Hewlett-Packard Ltd and UK on-line, more than 50 exhibitors from across the whole range of information and communication technology are expected take part. Bury Council's executive member for economic and social regeneration, Councillor Wayne Campbell, said: "This is an ideal, and free, opportunity for local companies and concerns to find out more about how information and communication technology can benefit their businesses.

"Exhibitors on the day will include everyone from website designers to IT training companies, hardware and software developers plus suppliers, Internet service providers and Internet law specialists."

He added: "There will also be short presentations during the day which will focus on topics relevant to all businesses."

The Bury event is to be officially opened at 1pm by former Piccadilly Radio and BBC TV broadcaster, Phil Sayer.

And on the day there will be two main exhibition rooms, a presentation area with full audio-visual facilities plus ample free on-site parking.

Delegate registration forms are available from the Bury Business Network by telephoning 0161-253-5394 or there is on-line booking available at www.burybusiness.net.