British Chambers of Commerce and HM Revenue and Customs launch new initiative to help businesses become faster and smarter
21/07/05
The British Chamber of Commerce and the HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) have joined forces to encourage businesses to reap the rewards of tailored technology solutions. This will be achieved through a series of practical seminars planned for the autumn 2005 and will be developed in association with Microsoft and BT.
Commenting on the significance of this initiative David Frost, Director General of the BCC, said;
“There is a lot of hype about needing to use technology more effectively in business but probably not enough practical advice about how to do it. At the BCC we have always taken this issue seriously and we try to find ways to deliver that advice in a sensible format. That is why these seminars are different from others of a similar nature - we promise not to give you IT indigestion!”
The events have been designed to encourage companies to discover new ways to streamline their business and to grow the bottom line. The topics explored will include;
• Maximising the potential of the customer through the web
• Streamlining everyday business processes
• Business on the move
• Making the most of online services
• Examining what broadband can really do for your business
• The importance of IT security
Throughout the day there will be opportunities to hear from companies that have adopted different technology solutions successfully and to find out what hurdles they overcame as a consequence. In addition there will a chance to raise your own specific queries or concerns at the question and answer session led by experts from the HMRC, Microsoft and BT.
Karen Deus, Live Online Service Team, HMRC added;
“We know that running a business effectively is complex and at times very frustrating. That’s why we are committed to finding new ways to make life easier for the business owner manager. The introduction of the Online VAT return and other electronic services is a step in the right direction.”
The seminar is entitled Ecommerce and the Integrated Business – Doing business online – working smart, saving time, saving money and is open to both members and non Chamber members. For details on dates, venues and tickets go to www.chamberonline.co.uk
Additional comments about the potential value of these seminars were;
John Coulthard, director of small business for Microsoft said: "Small firms have an enormous advantage over bigger companies in that they can react more quickly to change such as technology evolution. These seminars will greatly benefit attendees. Small businesses can learn more about how to fully exploit technology to behave like a bigger business but yet retain their unique competitive differentiators of flexibility and agility."
“The digital network economy offers huge potential for small businesses to thrive and really become the powerhouse of UK plc – but neglect the opportunities and you’ll get left behind”, Andrew McGregor, Head of Marketing & Strategy, BT Business”.
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For further information or requests for interviews please contact;
Simon Thompson at Purple Rabbit
Tel: 0784 3279977
Email: simon.thompson@purplerabbit.co.uk
Notes to editors
1. The British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) is the authentic voice of British businesses. The BCC sits at the heart of a powerful nationwide network of Accredited Chambers of Commerce serving business across the UK, which employ over five million people.
2. HMRC Boilerplate
3. Founded in 1975, Microsoft (Nasdaq "MSFT") is the worldwide leader in software, services and solutions that help people and businesses realise their full potential.
4. BT is one of the world’s leading providers of communications solutions serving customers in Europe, the Americas and Asia Pacific. Its principal activities include networked IT services, local, national and international telecommunications services, and higher-value broadband and internet products and services.
BT consists principally of three lines of business:
• BT Retail, providing a comprehensive range of communications and related services to more than 20m UK consumers and businesses.
• BT Wholesale, providing network services and solutions within the UK to more than 600 fixed and mobile operators and service providers including the provision of broadband and private circuits.
• BT Global Services, providing networked IT services to meet the needs of multi-site organisations globally. BT Global Services operates in more than 130 countries and also offers international carrier services.
In the year ended 31 March 2005, BT Group’s turnover was £18,623 million with profit before goodwill amortisation, exceptional items and taxation of £2,085 million.
BT Group plc is listed on stock exchanges in London and New York. British Telecommunications plc (BT) is a wholly-owned subsidiary of BT Group and encompasses virtually all businesses and assets of the BT Group.
For more information, visit www.bt.com/aboutbt
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