AN innovative project, the first of its kind in the country, has been launched in the borough.

The PACE (People Add the Competitive Edge) network, which aims to support local businesses in developing and enhancing their people management practices, was launched by the Mayor of Bury, Coun John Smith.

This innovative project, funded by the European Regional Development Fund, will provide businesses with up-to-date information on how best practice in people management and IT impact on their competitiveness and productivity.

The project will see the development of a network, which will meet on a regular basis at venues across the borough. In addition to a dedicated project team, there will also be a web-based Virtual Learning Network accessed via the Internet to enable businesses to access a wealth of vital information on people management issues, good practice procedures and advice on training, support and funding resources.

Among the key speakers at the event was Andrew Rochford of the Radcliffe company, Unifi Dyed Yarns.