People can get up to £1,000 a year off bills under the Small Business Rate Relief Scheme and Greater Manchester Chamber has joined with Leaseholders United to help firms claim.
Paul Foster, Wigan local manager at Greater Manchester Chamber, said small businesses were likely to feel the effects of the credit crunch most, but many were unaware they could be entitled to a rates windfall.
Firms of all sizes can claim the rate relief, as the entitlement is based on rateable value and location rather than turnover or staff numbers. Visit www.leaseholdersunited.com for details.

Climate for changes
FIRMS are leading the way on climate change as a way of coping with rising energy bills and a slowing economy.
A survey released by the British Chambers of Commerce, calculated firms have made £1.1bn in energy efficiency savings in the last year.
Nine out of 10 Manchester firms reported they recycle, despite a poll revealing none of the county's councils offer help or advice for businesses wishing to do so.

Bid to cut work waste
SUSTAINABLE business experts Envirowise are calling on Wigan bosses to disclose gas, electricity, water and recycling bills to staff to encourage them to help cut outgoings and lessen environmental impact.
Envirowise research reveals people committed to cutting waste at home lapse into bad habits at work. A survey of office staff found a third took no action to reduce the resources they use during the working day.

Top show
THE Business Show 2008 at Bolton Arena on October 23 is approaching capacity. It is expected to attract more than 100 exhibitors and around 2,000 visitors. Call 01204 366732 for details.