THIS week is E-business Week and companies across Herefordshire and Worcestershire are being encouraged to look at the benefits of e-business.

The week aims to help companies of all sizes adopt technology to support their business by increasing awareness of the support and advice available.

As part of the week, UK Online (Herefordshire and Worcestershire), based at the Chamber of Commerce and Business Link, has organised a series of breakfast workshops around the region.

"Hot topics include website creation, e-commerce and security," said the chamber's Press relations manager, Peter Morgan.

"Local businesses will also be able to attend free half-hour clinics with UK Online advisers for help with any IT or internet issue."

Mr Morgan said the week would encourage businesses to develop and benefit from their use of new technologies.

"Everything from e-mail to full e-business and websites to tele-working will be covered," he added.

UK Online adviser for the area, David Shoubridge, said the week aimed to encourage companies to take advantage of the limitless opportunities afforded by e-business.

"Companies should think of e-business as having a shop open 24 hours a day, 365 days per year," he said.

"Your website will promote your goods and services and make it easy and convenient for your customers to buy them."

He added that while 70 per cent of companies in the West Midlands had a website, only 23 per cent actually traded on-line.

Significant Boost

"E-business can provide a significant boost to turnover and profits," he said.

A workshop was due to be held today at Worcester Rugby Club. The two-hour sessions start at 7.30am and include breakfast.

A workshop is also due to take place tomorrow at Graftonbury Hotel, in Hereford, for which a few places remain.

Further learning sessions are also planned for later in the year.

For more information on the workshops and clinics, or for advice on any e-business subject, please contact Tony Summers at the Chamber of Commerce and Business Link, Herefordshire and Worcestershire.

He can also be contacted by telephone on 01905 744309.