A FORMER personal assistant to the managing director of a Bury paints factory is now helping businesses brush up on their hi-tech skills.

Sue Warburton has been appointed information technology adviser by Bolton and Bury Chamber's Business Link.

Bury-based Sue (pictured), joins an expert team that is helping local firms gain competitive advantage through effective use of IT and e-commerce.

Sue, who has just gained a distinction in her MSc in business information technology, is a qualified teacher and trainer.

Her most recent role within the Chamber was as a workforce development adviser, leading an information technology training and advice project for local and medium-sized enterprises.

Speaking about hew new challenge Sue, who used to work at the Donald Macpherson paints factory in Bury, said: "Many businesses can become more successful through making better use of IT and e-commerce. "It is my job to help them take advantage of these opportunities.

"Whether they need help in computerising their accounts, gaining access to the Internet, designing a web page or using IT in complex manufacturing processes, the Business Link IT team can assist."

As well as visiting companies at their own premise to help them trade electronically and improve their IT practices, she will be in charge of Business Link's hi-tech Link Centre in Bury.

This new resource has been funded by the European Social Fund and Bury Single Regeneration Budget and includes state-of-the-art IT training suites and the latest video conferencing equipment.

Says Sue: "At the Link Centre, we will be able to demonstrate best practice in information technology and train companies in how to make effective use of various software packages and hi-tech equipment."

For help and independent advice with any IT or e-commerce issue, phone Sue Warburton at Business Link on 762 3300.