IMPROVING workforce skills is the key to future prosperity, a Government minister told Bury business leaders.

Ivan Lewis, MP for Bury South and Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Skills and Vocational Education, was speaking at an event hosted by Greater Manchester Chamber at Prestwich's Fairways Lodge and Leisure Club.

He told the audience that the borough of Bury had an excellent education system, but businesses had a role to play in ensuring their workforce took advantage of the training on offer.

Mr Lewis said: "The countries we should be comparing ourselves with are not Germany and France, but India and China. Anyone who has been to the Far East will tell you about the huge amount of investment those countries are putting into skills.

"The businesses who invest in the people who work for them will be the most successful businesses at the start of the 21st century. It has a direct benefit on their bottom line. Investing in your workforce is not just a nice thing to do, it is actually a hard-headed business decision."

Second speaker, Bury College principal Dr Helen Gilchrist, talked about how the college prepares students for the world of work. She pointed out that as well as being an educational establishment it was a major contributor to the town's economy.

After the speeches members of the audience were invited to question the panel, which included Mr Lewis, Dr Gilchrist and Harry Johnston, of Prestwich-based R& G Construction. The topics raised ranged from A-Levels to the Learning and Skills Council.