BUSINESSMEN across Herefordshire and Worcestershire were due to meet today to explore how technology can be used to help the construction industry in the two counties.

The seminar, organised by IT Construction Best Practice (ITCBP) held at Worcester's Chamber of Commerce, is aimed at small and medium-sized building companies.

It aims to help those in the industry realise what an important place Information Technology has.

ITCBP is a non-commercial initiative set up by the Department of the Environment, Transport and Regions (DETR) and is part of the Construction Best Practice Programme, launched by the Government two years ago. It was launched to support the recommendations in Rethinking Construction, a report aimed at planning the best possible future for Britain's construction industry.

The event is one of 40 being run throughout the country, each supported by local business organisations and the Construction Industry Training Board.

Presentations include an explanation of IT, cases involving local businesses, workshops led by IT solutions providers, and details of help available from Business Links and colleges.

"Clearly, a modern, techno-logically literate construction industry is vital to the local as well as the national economy, creating jobs, wealth and a better environment for us all," said Brendan Morrissey, one of the organisers of the seminar.

IT Construction Best Practice was launched last autumn and so far more than 1,200 companies have now registered, during what has been called Phase 1.

Phase 2 of the promotion is due to commence shortly, aimed at extending the initiative to all sectors in the industry.

Further details of how companies can be helped with their use of IT are available on ITCBP's website at www.itcbp.org.uk