BUSINESSES on the Lomeshaye Industrial Estate in Nelson will soon have faster internet connection after Pendle Partnership agreed to fund half the £50,000 cost of the scheme.

Broadband internet connection will be made available for 20-25 small businesses on Pendle's largest industrial estate by April, 2003.

Businesses are expected to benefit from increased internet trading and cost effective staff development.

On-line training courses for employees will be available from providers such as LearnDirect and possibly Nelson and Colne College and businesses will be more able to offer remote and tele-working technologies to support flexible working patterns for employees. It is up to 20 times faster than traditional dial-up connections and has the advantage of always being on-line.

Companies will be encouraged to participate in the Lomeshaye Consultative Group, which will investigate the possibility of using the network to promote inter-company trading and information sharing.

The connections will make the area more attractive to inward investors and help Pendle Council establish e-government.

Dennis Mendoros, Pendle Partnership chairman said: "Broadband Internet and its associated technologies can make a real difference to business competitiveness.

"Companies in Pendle have to embrace new technology and constantly strive for improved productivity if they are to survive".

Elancs.net, a company being set up by East Lancashire Partnership and other local organisations, will provide the infrastructure and aims to get a minimum of 150 East Lancashire companies working together through broadband by 2004.

The Lomeshaye project will be one of the first undertaken by Elancs.net for businesses and if successful it could be rolled out to hundreds more businesses in Pendle and East Lancashire during the next three to four years.

Martin Kirk, acting project director of Elancs.net said: "Elancs.net will transform the way we do business in East Lancashire.

"Access to a broadband connection is vital for companies wanting to take advantage of the new trading and training opportunities available.

"Elancs.net will lay the foundations for success in the future. We urge companies to make the most of the opportunities provided. We must not be left behind."

The initial Elancs.net project, worth £1.35m over two and a half years, is backed by the European Regional Development Fund, Business Link, the University for Industry, the Lottery New Opportunities Fund, and private sector investment.