E-business help for smaller firms

Money has been made available to help smaller businesses in Wiltshire to make the most of internet technologies.

The £398,000 scheme will help companies set up a website or get access to e-mail and broadband.

The e-Wiltshire SmartBusiness initiative will focus on firms with up to 250 employees.

The scheme is part-funded by the South West Regional Development Agency, with support from the county council and Great Western Enterprise.

Andy Poulton, business adviser from Great Western Enterprise, said: "Nearly a fifth of small companies have no company website or access to e-mail facilities.

"This initiative will help more companies attract a wider customer-base and successfully compete in today's increasingly globalised business environment."