BURY'S suppliers of environmental products and services could soon have the MIDAS touch.

For MIDAS (Manchester Investment and Development Agency Service) has sponsored the launch of the region's environmental technology network, Envirolink North West.

Envirolink North West is aimed at helping environment-related companies improve their competitiveness, identify new market opportunities and find new business in the region, UK and overseas.

The new body has been created by some of the region's leading environmental organisations including MIDAS, the North West Development Agency and Sustainability North West.

A survey has shown the North West has 700 environmental technology companies providing 24,000 jobs and bringing £1.3 billion of sales to the region.

Brian Hearn of MIDAS said: "We are delighted to be working with the industry to bring more business and greater opportunity to the North West's environmental technologies sector.

"The environmental economy in the North West is a powerhouse for securing social progress and economic success."

Companies interested in more information about Envirolink North West should ring Jackie Seddon at Sustainability North West on (0161) 834 8834.