MATCHMAKING was on the menu during a special lunch staged by Bury and Bolton Chamber's Business Advantage team.

And the event helped introduce buyers to sellers and vice-versa as part of Business Advantage's pioneering initiative to help firms win more business.

More than £5 million worth of contracts were up for grabs at the lunch, which also featured an exhibition by the Chamber's cost cutting commercial service providers.

Kathryn Czaja, commercial services director for the Chamber, said: "We would describe ourselves as a sophisticated dating agency that links up those companies that want to sell with those that want to buy.

"The other key area is helping businesses to cut their costs and improve their supply chain management."

Hundreds of local businesses have already signed up to join Business Advantage, aware of the competitive advantage they can enjoy by increasing sales and reducing costs.

Guest speaker at the event was former Houghton Weavers front man Norman Prince who contributed his own hilarious slant on life.