BUSINESSES can compare their e-business with other firms thanks to a new on-line tool from the Department of Trade and Industry.

The DTI-led UK Online for Business has launched the online ''benchmarking'' tool and CD-ROM to show companies how they match up to other businesses on a regional, sectoral and national basis and highlights areas where a business can further develop its use of Information and Communication Technologies (ICT).

Available at www.ukonlineforbusiness.

gov.uk/benchmarking, a company answers 25 multiple-choice questions and an online report is then produced indicating the areas where a business is strong on its e-business activity and where it can improve.

For more information phone the information line on 0845 715 2000.