A SEARCH is on for East Lancashire businesses which could help supply more than £14 million of goods.

The Regional Supply Network's office in East Lancashire has the enquiries on its books for a huge range of goods and services yet cannot yet find suppliers.

Since it was launched last year the RSO, based at the Chamber of Commerce head office, has placed more than £3 million worth of business in the area and now has more than 880 companies registered with the service.

The office is part of a national initiative set up the Department of Trade & Industry to help companies find the most competitive sources of supply, locally and nationally. And it aims to help suppliers find new business opportunities.

"We are still looking for suppliers for £14.8 million of enquiries," said Kathryn Czaja, regional supply manager.

The free of charge, confidential service, for which companies must be registered, can be contacted on 01254 388400.

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.