MORE than 2,000 people have enrolled to attend Commonwealth Games Business Club events.

And the good news is that there is still time to join up for the functions, being attended by a number of well-known sporting and business figures.

The majority of the events will be held at Manchester's Bridgewater Hall, home of the Halle Orchestra, with others at the Reebok Stadium in Bolton and the Liverpool Institute of Performing Arts.

The Commonwealth Games Business Club aims to connect North West and UK companies with other national and international businesses utilising its own web site (www.nwbusinessclub.com) and database to maximum effect.

Based on the success of the Business Club Australia at the Sydney Olympics, the Commonwealth Games Business Club will be relaxed and informal, allowing the members' itineraries to be flexible around the Games activities.

Members will be introduced to other Business Club users within the Commonwealth and other international countries as well as UK business representatives and prospective UK partners.

Peter Hogarth, Trade Partners' UK's North West International Trade Director, says that while 2,000 people have enrolled to attend the events, the club itself has more than 4,000 members.

He added: "There's still time to enrol and North West businesses will be able to make a wide range of contacts and discover many trading opportunities by taking part.

The Business Club programme of events opens on July 25 and runs until August 6, two days after the closing ceremony.

Members will receive special benefits, such as pre-arranged introductions as well as full use of web site and supporting database.

To become a member, either log on to the web site www.nwbusinessclub.com and register your details or contact the team on (0161) 877 3000.