A £1 MILLION multimedia centre, designed to give Bury companies the edge in using digital technologies, has opened its doors.

Backed by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), the centre is located in the heart of Bury at Business Solutions, Link House, the development arm of Bury College.

It will give small businesses access to the latest in digital equipment, software, video conferencing and digital technical and web support. The centre should play an important role in helping firms to grow.

Carol McKenzie, director of development at Bury College, said: "Facilities at Link House have been extensively refurbished, creating a specialist digital technology suite and modern hi-spec conferencing centre."

Linked to the college's new centre of vocational excellence in management skills and business services, the multimedia centre will provide a platform for digital workshops and seminars.

It will also help in the marketing and competitiveness of any business, from producing graphic design and creative imagery, presentation and marketing materials to developing company web sites.

A team of business specialists will offer a comprehensive programme of support, advice and planning.

Heather Saul, Business Solutions manager, said: "The multimedia centre is designed to help local businesses benefit from the advances in digital technology."

She added that the facilities would help local firms adopt new technology and develop multimedia strategies to help them succeed and achieve their full potential.

Bury South MP Ivan Lewis featured in a video presentation at the opening. He said: "To be successful in a modern world, we have to have up-to-date cutting edge technology and businesses need access to this.

"To have an actual resource which is available in the centre of Bury to local businesses will make a real difference."

Local estate agent Steve Burns, recently seen on ITV's Viewing Recommended series, hosted the official opening which was performed by the Mayor of Bury, Councillor Wilf Davison. The ceremony was followed by workshops and exhibitions.

Dr Helen Gilchrist, Bury College principal, said: "We are delighted to officially launch our multimedia centre.

"Small businesses are crucial to the continued success of the economy and this project underlines the fundamental role that further education colleges play in building a successful and prosperous economy."

The college has a good record of successfully managing and delivering similar projects, maximising opportunities for local industry and raising employment and skills levels in the business community.