BUSINESS chiefs have been urged to stay calm and keep their enterprises running as smoothly as possible during the war in Iraq.

Christopher Harvey, the head of membership at Herefordshire and Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce and Business Link, said planning ahead was the key.

He warned that businesses, particularly those with overseas markets, could be affected by disruption to IT or communication systems and transport networks.

The conflict in Iraq had affected consumer confidence in some areas, particularly the export market, he said.

"The biggest business problem relating to the war is the uncertainty," said Mr Harvey.

"People are unsure, and uncertainty breeds uncertainty. It is more likely that people who do business overseas, in particular the Middle East, may have difficulties."

Mr Harvey said many county businesses carried on as normal during the previous Gulf War.

But he warned the economic outlook could be uncertain this time because countries and economic groups worldwide were not unanimous about the military action being taken.

"Clearly there is an air of caution, and we advise that businesses keep running as smoothly as they can," he said.

"Plan ahead and take reasonable precautions on security matters. For example, consider what plans you might have if some things are disrupted, such as IT or communications systems or transport networks.

"Often by stopping and looking, you can come up with solutions which will help in this and other situations."