smallbusiness.co.uk: Helping your business think big

Small businesses will soon have a chance to see how modern technology can transform their operations in a week-long series of events taking place from 8th to 12th October across the country.
e-Business Week has been organised by the Information Age Partnership on behalf of UK Online for Business, the Government agency set up to encourage companies into the digital age.

Dozens of events will be held, aimed at teaching businesses, of all shapes and sizes, how information and communications technology can boost their turnover. Entrepreneurs can also discover how to take advantages of these opportunities effectively by seeing what advice is available.

"From e-mail to e-business practices, from web sites to inter-working, the week will encourage businesses to develop and move further forwards in their use of technologies" said Jenny Searle, director of UK Online for Business.

Currently the agency says nearly two million businesses are connected to the Internet. Searle wants this number to increase. She commented: "Whilst the UK is making good progress, there is still a way to go if we are to be seen as the best place in the world for e-commerce."

Events will cover topics such as developing e-business strategies; taking your business online; e-commerce training; direct electronic marketing; and internet security. Support and advice will be available at all such events throughout the week.

Business Link East Lancashire, for example, will host 'Working Electronically', a seminar to show how technology has the power to transform a small business. The organisation claims businesses "can become more competitive, more efficient and more profitable" by taking advantage of the different electronic tools available.

Searle explains that: "Costs and time to take a product or service to the market are often greatly reduced, which can result in businesses having a price advantage over those competitors not using the Internet."

She concludes that "Government, large companies and smaller firms need to work together to harness new technologies and look at how they can be incorporated into their overall business strategy."

To find out more about the programme of events, or to register an event, visit the UK Online for Business website at www.ukonlineforbusiness.gov.uk.

With thanks to Lloyds TSB Success4Business. For more news and information visit www.success4business.com .

(07/9/01)