HL Deb 04 June 2003 vol 648 cc173-4WA
The Earl of Northesk

asked Her Majesty's Government:

In light of the recent survey from Intel Service Solutions indicating that 88 per cent of United Kingdom businesses experience significant barriers to implementing information technology pilot projects, what measures they are taking to encourage United Kingdom businesses to take appropriate advantage of such pilots. [HL2947]

The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department of Trade and Industry (Lord Sainsbury of Turville):

Through UK Online for Business, a DTI-led programme, the Government seek to support businesses in their use of information and communications technologies (ICTs). The delivery of the programme is built around raising awareness of the business case for adopting ICTs and providing independent and impartial advice and content in order to help companies develop their e-business strategies.

DTI advisers, based in the Business Link Network, give ICT advice and assistance to over 100,000 businesses each year. These advisers are well placed to advise on issues such as whether and how a business might implement information technology initiatives, including pilot projects. Advisers can also propose ways of overcoming barriers to ICT adoption.

The Government are working hard across the board to create the right conditions for ICT adoption. Last year's international benchmarking study by Booz Allen Hamilton showed the UK to have the second-best environment in the world for e-commerce.