IT may be Wimbledon but advantage is firmly in the court of Bury businesses.

And it's all thanks to Bolton and Bury Chamber, which served up a treat for companies at a special lunch.

Business Advantage was on the menu which allowed firms to find out more about cutting costs and winning new business via the chamber's pioneering division.

Four of the chamber's board members made brief presentations on Business Advantage. They offered an insight into the work of the 1,200-strong local business membership organisation which, according to president Andrew Dickson, "exists to improve the lot of businesses in Bolton and Bury".

They spoke about the importance of the chamber as a networking club and its work behind the scenes in helping to drive partnerships between the public and private sectors which have attracted millions of pounds worth of funding into the two boroughs.

Board members also emphasised the chamber's role as the voice of local business in the corridors of power and its efforts to help companies become more competitive through making cost savings and generating new contracts.

Bury was well represented at the event. Guests included board directors, Prestwich businessman Peter Weidenbaum, of Radcliffe-based Trumeter, and Jan Barnes, of Hawkshaw's Boardmans.

During the same event, Bolton Wanderers FC introduced its Lion of Vienna Business Club. This offers affordable matchday hospitality and a networking club for smaller businesses, with substantial discounts for chamber members.

Guests also found out more about European funding opportunities for web site development.