BUSINESSES in the two counties of Worcestershire and Herefordshire are set for a £24m boost following the launch of an e-business initiative.

The Regional E-Business Development Initiative will raise the awareness of the opportunities, benefits and support available for the adoption and use of electronic commerce for small companies, with a view to improving competitiveness.

The scheme, which is being delivered in the two counties by Business Link Herefordshire and Worcestershire, was launched on Tuesday, in Birmingham.

Businesses can ring a special hotline, which will put them in touch with a Business Link adviser, who will visit the company to assess the nature of its business.

Audit

An IT and E-business specialist will then carry out an audit on the firm and will offer a solution and improvement programme.

The initiative involves IT and training companies across the two counties and advisers will recommend a suitable supplier to help the firm implement the necessary improvements.

On-going support is offered and some match-funded grant support is available.

The West Midlands has been identified as lagging behind the majority of UK Regions on key e-businesses indicators and the four-year initiative is designed to close that gap.

Business Link's Paul Dawson said it was vital for businesses to take advantage of the latest technology.

"E-business and other IT advances are a massive boost for small and medium sized companies," he said.

"But it is essential they grasp the new technology to move forward. There is some evidence showing that is not happening and if that is allowed to continue then it will further hamper our competitiveness as a region."

The programme, backed by regional development agency Advantage West Midlands (AWM), is expected to create 1,000 new jobs and protect another 1,800 existing positions in the region.

John Edwards said the initiative was a key part of AWM's mission to make the region "truly world class".

"We have set ambitious targets to see broadband available to 100 per cent of businesses across the West Midlands by the end of 2004 and this initiative, which has been two years in the making, is key to that aim.

"Broadband is a massive leap forward for small businesses and we have to drive up the usage of e-business to maximise its impact and to make sure we are as competitive as possible."

For more information phone the hotline on 0845 600 9006.