THIS year's Commonwealth Games will allow far-sighted companies to get a run for their money.

To pave the way for national and international networking, a Commonwealth Games Business Club has been launched.

The club, initiated by the Commonwealth Economic Benefits (CEB), is expected to be the most important and valuable web-based tool for businesses across the Commonwealth.

It will enable company representatives to meet and create key contacts and links with other members within the Commonwealth and international countries.

Funding has come from a number of partners including MCCI, MIDAS, North West Development Agency and Trade Partners UK, with additional support from chamber business enterprises, Marketing Manchester and the North West Business Leadership Team.

The club will host a programme of events, opening the day before the event, for a two-week period.

Conferences, seminars and one-to-one meetings will be designed to be relaxed and informal, to allow maximum flexibility around the Games.

The massive event itself will be staged in Manchester between July 24 and August 6.

To count your business in, visit www.nwbusinessclub.com or contact the Business Club at the CEB on (0161) 877 3000.