BURY businesses could benefit from a new commitment to help recruit trained and skilled staff to enable firms to compete on a worldwide scale.

The five Learning and Skills Councils in the North West and the North West Development Association have announced the joint development of a Memorandum of Understanding.

And this agreement is aimed at paving the way towards companies being able to access a highly skilled workforce.

Another objective of the Memorandum is to ensure an integrated approach from those who have signed up to it.

Their common goal is to develop an education and training system that provides individuals with the necessary skills to increase their employability.

This will be achieved by focusing on a number of strategic issues at national, regional and local level.

These include the development of a world-class workforce, identifying and supporting sector-specific skill needs and further developing a culture of learning and enterprise.

Anthony Goldstone, chairman of Greater Manchester's Learning and Skills Council, said: "Our vision is that by 2010 young people and adults in the region will have the knowledge and productive skills matching the best in the world.

"Together, we will deliver real results and build the skills base of a knowledge-driven economy by motivating individuals and organisations to invest in their learning."

Lord Thomas, chairman of the North West Development Agency, commented: "If we are to stimulate economic regeneration in the North West, and increase the productivity and efficiency of all businesses in the region, it is crucial we ensure the skills agenda is at the forefront of everything we do."