CUTTING business costs was the toast of Bolton and Bury Chamber at its latest talk-in lunch.

And diners drawn from the corporate communities of both towns found out about five new Chamber commercial services that will help members boost their profits.

Representatives from the five companies providing the Chamber's new business energy, telecommunications, financial services, healthcare and vehicle management services staged a mini-exhibition to explain how they can help local companies reduce overheads.

The five service providers, including Whitefield-based Academy Fleet Services, were chosen through a comprehensive competitive tender process and selected on their abilities to match quality and competitive price with integrity and professional service.

During the lunch in Bolton, three business members entertained and informed guests.

These included Summerseat-based Tony Tickle of the Tickle Group who advised diners how to use e-commerce to their best advantage.

The Chamber's next talk-in lunch takes place in Bury on August 22 when special guest David Heywood of the town's Micro Tutor company will be sharing some top tips on how to make smart use of information technology.