11 January 2000

TRAINING FOR BUTTONS: FARREN LAUNCHES NEW INITIATIVE

A new initiative aimed at giving small and medium sized businesses the chance to find out all they need to know about E-commerce was launched today by Dr Sean Farren, the Training and Employment Minister.

Announcing details of the Training and Employment Agency initiative, called "Buttons – E-Commerce Made Easy", Dr Farren said: "E-commerce is gradually changing the way we do business and, whether people like it or not, the pace of that change is getting faster everyday.

"The result is that our companies now have a stark choice. They must either gear themselves up to ensure that they can compete in the new environment and give themselves the chance of success, or they can bury their heads in the sand and run the risk of failure.

"We want to make sure they take the right option and the Buttons initiative will give them the chance to do just that. It will be relevant, accessible and affordable.

"The programme is aimed at our SMEs and consists of a one day workshop which will give participants enough information to assess the extent to which

E-Commerce will affect their business and the steps necessary to draw up an action plan."

Dr Farren explained that a total of 1,500 places will be available under the initiative and that the cost will be a mere £25 per person, hence the name of the programme.

The Minister added: "Today sees the start of an extensive marketing campaign which will include a mailshot to over 12,000 companies, outdoor and press advertising.

"E-Commerce will have a vital role to play in the development of our economy in the new millennium. It will break down barriers and make the world a smaller place. The key to success will be people – well trained and motivated people.

"Buttons aims to ensure that not only do our businesses wake up to the reality of E-Commerce, but that they start to develop those people and start to do it now!"

Any small to medium sized organisation (that is one with less than 250 staff) can apply for a maximum of two places on the scheme. Courses will be held throughout Northern Ireland and will last approximately one day, although this may be altered to suit participants needs.

For further details on the initiative or to apply, companies should contact the Buttons Helpline on 01232 257731 or www.trainingforbuttons.com

NOTE TO EDITORS

Training will be delivered by four local providers, all of whom have achieved IT National Training Organisation recognition, namely Beckinridge, BIC Systems Ltd, Elite Training Services Ltd and Internet Press.

For further information, please contact Simon Burrowes on 01232 257831 or 01232 257792.