More businesses switch on to eBusiness opportunities

The British Chambers of Commerce delivers e-business advice via the existing Chambers of Commerce network, fostering and developing e-business by working to identify and spread best practice.

More and more businesses across the UK are trading online as technology prices plummet and access to faster communications spreads. eBusiness is growing rapidly: Government figures show that 22 per cent of the UK population regularly uses the Internet, with 33 per cent of organisations using or intending to use the Internet to buy and sell.

The British Chambers of Commerce eBusiness Clubs have been providing help to businesses across the country over the last two years by providing big company expertise in a small company context. As the rate of business broadband take-up doubled last year to 40 per cent the growth potential of eBusiness has become a reality.

Broadband access is a major driver of a company's ability to deal with customers and suppliers online. The last BCC Broadband survey found that over 60 per cent of all companies think customers will pressure them within the next five years to conduct business that requires a broadband connection. Nearly half of all companies, (48 per cent) predicted suppliers would exert similar pressure.

British Chambers of Commerce Director General, David Frost, said, ”eBusiness Clubs are yet another valuable service provided by the BCC to its membership. Thanks to the efforts of our Partners and the Chambers network we have been able to provide SMEs with the kind of advice and support which enables them to reach completely new markets.”

Through the eBusiness Clubs, developed by the BCC, the DTI, BT, Hewlett-Packard and O 2 small-to-medium enterprises are provided with the essential information and help they need to blend technology into their working practices and wider businesses.

"Broadband is about more than fast-speed, always-on access. It's about making the internet work for you, to realise your business potential and our range of products and solutions are designed to enable organisations move beyond a simple online presence to becoming true and successful e-businesses", said Paul Hammond, Head of Influencer and Partnership Programmes. "We are pleased to be supporting the eBusiness Clubs and helping businesses move forward and maximise opportunities”.