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recent releases from Leicester Shire Development Agency, Business Link for Leicestershire and Business Link Lincolnshire & Rutland | 
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10 April 2002
NEWS RELEASE
SMALL BUSINESSESES IN LINCOLNSHIRE AND RUTLAND NEED TO FOCUS ON
E-COMMERCE DEVELOPMENT
Businesses in Lincolnshire and Rutland are not taking advantage of e-commerce opportunities, according to a report published today (10 April).
The 'Challenge of E-Adoption in the East Midlands 2002' report shows that 72 per cent of small and medium sized businesses in the county do not believe that computers are relevant to their business, compared to 63 per cent in Nottinghamshire, 50 per cent in Northamptonshire and only 42 per cent in Leicestershire.
The report was commissioned by UK Online in association with Business Link Lincolnshire & Rutland, emda and the New Technology Institute and is the first large scale survey about e-commerce and technology usage in the East Midlands.
Business Link Lincolnshire & Rutland already runs the UK Online service which offers advice on all aspects of Information and Communication Technology, including e-commerce and websites. However, it is hoped that the report will lead to a greater understanding of the levels and requirements of local businesses.
Diane Simpson, UK Online for business regional champion, said: "There is a need to make businesses aware of the real benefits technology can bring.
"Getting your business online can really put you ahead of the game. As well as gaining new customers and increasing market share, businesses can also reduce their operating costs quite significantly. It's not about technology, it's about improving your business."
Of those currently using ICT technology, 85 percent of Lincolnshire businesses have access to the internet, compared to only 82 per cent in Derbyshire and Northamptonshire.
There are also a high number of businesses trading online, 37 per cent either already allow or plan to enable online ordering, compared to a regional average of 33 per cent and a low of 22 per cent in Leicestershire.
Small businesses in Lincolnshire and Rutland felt that the risk of fraud and lack of confidentiality were the biggest barriers against the use of new technologies in the future.
Diane Simpson continued: "Online security is very important, but it should be put into perspective. A business is probably more at risk from burglary or theft than from computer crime."
For support or advice on ICT issues, contact the UK Online team at Business Link Lincolnshire & Rutland on 01522 574000
Ends
For further media information
CONTACT Kate Downs on 0116 254 4472.
For information on UK online for business or copies of the report, please contact:
Vanessa Wood / Kate Oyler Diane Simpson
UK online for business publicity centre UK online for business regional champion
Tel: +44 (0)20 7072 4084 Tel: +44 (0)845 6011038
Fax: +44 (0)20 7072 4020 Email: dianes@derbyshire.org
Email: vwood@gciuk.com
Notes to Editors
UK online for business
UK online for business is a partnership between Government and industry, led by the DTI, which promotes the use of e-commerce amongst UK businesses. There is a network of UK online for business advisers situated in the Business Links in England and their equivalents in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. These advisers provide down to earth, practical and impartial advice to individual small and medium sized businesses on how technology can help them improve their business performance. For further information call 0845 715 2000 or visit www.ukonlineforbusiness.gov.uk
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