BURY businesses faced with the introduction of the new Climate Change Levy are being invited to attend a special seminar next week.

The event is being held as companies come to terms with the fact the levy will hit local business and increase bills by an average 15 per cent.

Bolton and Bury Chamber's energy management seminar will focus on how firms can reduce energy costs.

It will take place next Wednesday (March 7) at the Chamber's headquarters in Bolton from 3pm-5pm.

At the event, businesses can find out how to save money through lower cost fuel purchasing, simple energy saving measures and by accessing Government grants towards the cost of lighting improvements. Commenting on the new energy tax, Chamber chief executive (designate) Andrew Ratcliff said: "The Government states the Climate Change Levy will be a 'fiscally neutral tax.'

"This is because it will be offset by a 0.3 per cent reduction in employers' National Insurance contributions.

"This may be the case for labour intensive companies."

He added: "But for energy intensive companies with few employees, like many local manufacturers, the new tax will cost them dearly.

"We urge local businesses to come along to the seminar to gain vital advice on how they can minimise the impact of the Climate Change Levy on their business."

Held in conjunction with the Government's Energy Efficiency Best Practice programme, the seminar will help companies to prepare a simple action plan to reduce costs and increase profits.

Delegates will also receive free energy saving guides, thermometers and a year's free membership of BusinessAge magazine.

Tickets for the event, which will cost £5 plus VAT, are available from Joan Bath on 01204 374683.