recent releases from Leicester Shire Development Agency, Business Link for Leicestershire and Business Link Lincolnshire & Rutland
	13 February 2002 NEWS RELEASE TEN REASONS FOR UK BUSINESSES TO TRADE IN EUROS How to spot a counterfeit euro was among the calls to a special hotline in the aftermath of single currency notes and coins. Leicestershire businesses also wanted to know how long banks would accept the old francs, pesetas and Deutsche Marks. The Euro hotline, operated by the Euro Info Centre at Business Link for Leicestershire, also took several calls from retailers finding out how to accept the single currency. Although the UK has yet to sign up to the single currency, the Euro Info Centre has published ten top reasons for Leicestershire firms to carry out transactions in the euro. "If your company co-operates with any SME from a euro zone country, introduction of the euro will change the business environment in which you operate," said Sarah Wilson, head of the Euro Info Centre at Business Link for Leicestershire. "SMEs should be prepared to carry out transactions in euros if they want to co-operate with businesses from the euro zone." The top ten reasons for firms to carry out transactions in euros are: 1. Less exchange rate risk 2. Price transparency 3. Greater competitiveness 4. Reduced foreign currency costs 5. Easy e-business 6. Consolidate eurozone bank accounts 7. Closer cooperation with eurozone companies 8. New business partnerships 9. Upgraded IT systems 10. Improved market image For advice and information on trading with the Euro, telephone the hotline on 0845 601 2327. The Leicester Euro Info Centre is part of a network of some 250 Euro Info Centres set up by the European Commission throughout Europe. Staffed by a team of informed and qualified professionals, it has direct access to the European Commission, to help SMEs in the region meet the challenges involved in successfully tapping the European market. Ends For further Media Information CONTACT Duncan Hopwood on 0116 254 4472
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