A NEW scheme looking to boost the technological performance of Worcestershire has been launched with the aim of helping 200 businesses in the first year.

Business Link West Midlands has designed an innovative new website (www.businesslinkwm. co.uk/tapintoit) that will engage with companies that want to make the most of IT in their operations, whether it be in sales and marketing, productivity or in winning new business.

The project comes on the back of recent research which shows that the main barriers of entry remain lack of time, cost and that some firms see IT as an unnecessary expense.

Lyn Burkett, project leader and a main driving force behind the initiative, said: "Technology is absolutely crucial and touches every sector imaginable. With this in mind, we wanted to help local companies make the most of IT by offering them initial information, expert guidance and in-depth assistance when embracing this area.

"The website will act as the first point of entry into this world of support and will give information and opportunities for anyone looking to exploit IT."

The website, which is being funded by Advantage West Midlands, went live at the beginning of February and has already received 500 hits from companies. At the heart of the offer is a focus on marketing and how IT can play a key role in monitoring the behaviour of customers and in communicating offers quicker and more effectively.

There is also a concerted look at how technology can make businesses more efficient by introducing new systems, programmes and managing key contacts through a central database.

Mr Burkett said: "The third and final area is growth and ensuring that firms are delivering the right product to the right market at the right price. Simple accounting packages can help them assess performance, an online presence can drum up new business and office systems can help staff to communicate and share information."

Business Link West Midlands is expecting to help more then 70,000 businesses and individuals thinking of starting a company and providing intensive support to a further 16,000 by 2010.

For more details call 0845 113 1234 or visit www.businesslinkwm. co.

uk/tapintoit