COMPANIES in East Lancashire could lose out to foreign competition unless they use technology to improve their businesses.

David Baxter, head of a Government campaign to encourage use of information technology, told business leaders at the launch of Business Link Hyndburn that the global marketplace was already here.

"The new technologies of this information age which is akin to the industrial revolution of two hundred years ago means that competition between firms is global," said Mr Baxter.

"If we can reach and service customers overseas through electronic means then overseas companies can do the same with our customers at home.

"It is not just an issue of business survival but one of opportunity and a challenge for every business to reach every desktop in the world."

Business Link in East Lancashire has applied for funding from the DTI for its own ISI Local Support centre which will be able to give advice to companies on which computer systems are best for their business.

"It is our job to alert local firms to the actions they need to take to remain competitive and ahead of the market and we will do everything we can to help them achieve those objectives," said Mark Ellison, co-ordinator at Business Link Hyndburn.

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