"EDUCATION, education, education" was the theme of the Bury Business Club's lively inaugural meeting of 2002, hosted by Bury College.

Presentations from the college and Bolton and Bury Chamber's Education Business Partnership (EBP) stressed the value of links between the business community and educational institutions.

Highlights were the range of training options available and the potential for active involvement in building the business community of the future.

Bury College principal Dr Helen Gilchrist welcomed the Business Club and spoke of the importance of effective contact with local businesses.

The Business Solutions arm of the college aims to build on that contact and deliver training and development options which respond to business needs. In an entertaining presentation, Business Solutions manager Heather Saul demonstrated her own "bingo" technique to make members think about precisely what those needs might be in their own cases.

Links of a different sort between business and education formed the subject of Charlotte Chadwick's examination of the work of the EBP.

In addition to outlining the four "mainstream" areas of work in which the EBP has been involved for more than 10 years, the presentation went on to preview the innovative "Adopt a School" project, to be officially launched in March.

This initiative will offer local businesses the opportunity of making a real contribution to the education and motivation of tomorrow's workforce.

The presentations were supplemented by the customary "bulletin board" and members' own one-minute "spotlight" introductions. Chairman Stephen Singer noted in particular the appearance of several new faces to the group.

For further club details, ring Kay Gregson at Bolton and Bury Chamber, on 01204 374668 or via the Chamber website www.chamberhelp.co.uk/netwking/burybusiness.htm.