MORE companies are willing to move to find their perfect premises but too many rely solely on the internet, according to commercial property experts.

Worcestershire's Property Service, which offers a free, confidential search to businesses seeking premises in the county, has seen a 25 per cent rise in website registrations over the past year.

This increase - from 670 registrations two years ago to 842 in the past 12 months - reflects both interest from businesses based outside the region and also highlights that Worcestershire-based companies are now more prepared to shop around for other premises to find the ideal site for their firm.

However, only 40 per cent of those who register on the website agree to have the service contact them to aid their search - a disappointing figure according to WPS.

Pat Prosser, head of the Worcestershire County Coun-cil-run service, said: "If people are seriously looking for new premises it is important to give us the opportunity to help but, like many markets, internet research appears to offer the whole solution.

"Our website - www. worcestershire.gov.uk/ business - contains the most comprehensive list of business premises in Worcester-shire and is revised monthly with the help of local property agents.

"However, as most firms do not move premises very often, taking experienced advice is important to minimise problems and save time. The internet can only provide so much information and calling a specialist team, such as WPS, can offer individual services - like explanations of planning issues - that a computer simply can not.

"A quick chat with WPS is the best way to start your search, whether you stay in contact with the service throughout, or decide to continue looking online."

Businesses in Worcester-shire benefit from a string of hi-tech development sites as part of the Central Techno-logy Belt, which runs from Malvern to Birmingham.

There are currently about 500 office and industrial units available in the county. For more information visit www. worcestershire.gov.uk/business and call 01905 766 375.