BURY businessmen and women were in "hi-tech heaven" this week when the town staged its largest ever e-commerce exhibition and presentation.

The massive IT Means Business for Bury show, which included more than 50 exhibitors, was held at the Bolholt Country Park Hotel.

And the second annual event gave visitors an insight into numerous aspects of electronic business and IT.

Exhibitors were given a prime shop window for their services and products, while a clutch of presentations focused on such hi-tech topics as ADSL, search engines, producing pictures, the latest gizmos, and how to market web sites.

Tuesday's (Sept 25) free event, which ran from 1-7pm, was organised by BURYBUSINESS.NETwork, which is an initiative of IT advisers Bury ISaware, and supported by Bury Council's economic development unit. Former radio and TV presenter Phil Sayer, who runs his own business involving corporate voiceovers, opened the show. Commenting on the rapidly changing world of e-commerce, he told the audience: "It's an exciting business we are in. Nothing stands still for a moment in what is an ever-changing world and I'm proud to be involved in my own small way."

Another speaker at the opening ceremony was the retiring chief executive of Bury Council, Mr Dennis Taylor.

He said: "The council is proud and privileged to support this exhibition. We are the largest employer in Bury, with 8,000 employees."

Commenting on how the local authority had harnessed hi-tech, Mr Taylor went on: "Many of our people are using the Internet and can communicate with 60 per cent of our staff."

The show, sponsored by Hewlett-Packard, featured more than 50 stands.

Among those exhibiting were companies involved in computer and IT solutions, equipment supply, training and recruitment, business support and corporate video productions.

Eve Davidson, Bury ISaware manager, said: "It was a very successful event and we were pleased with the overall turn-out and the active response of Bury businesses.

"They were able to see how new technology will benefit their companies."