HELPING to shape the future for local businesses has turned out to be a winner for Whitefield businessman Simon Cobb.

He took part in a borough-wide survey on homeworking and ICT, run by Bury Council's economic development unit (EDU).

And Simon, whose company is Whitefield-based Siren Technology and specialises in the sale of computer-based video editing systems, won £100 of shopping vouchers.

Mr Colin Fishwick, head of the EDU, said: "Employees with dependent children now have the right to ask for flexible work arrangements, and business organisations will be legally obliged to consider their case seriously.

"The homeworking project can advise businesses about developments like this and to help businesses realise the economic benefits to be gained from more flexible approaches to employment like homeworking.

"Meanwhile, broadband is revolutionising the opportunities for e-commerce. The "Broadband for Bury Micro Businesses" project can help businesses realise the huge potential of trading on-line through increased competitiveness and improved profitability. It will directly support 40 businesses in Bury."

The prize draw was sponsored by BUSINESS.NETwork, an SRB3-funded initiative supporting businesses in trading on-line.

More information about them can be obtained from Brian Berry by telephoning 253 5394 or emailing b.berry@bury.gov.uk

For more information about the homeworking project, contact Andy Walkden on 253 5935 or you can also email him at a.j.walkden@bury.gov.uk