THIRTY thousand North-west companies will be quizzed about their use of e-commerce.

They will be asked to take part in a regional survey conducted by the University of Manchester Institute of Science and Technology.

The survey will target selected small and medium-sized enterprises in different sectors.

It is supported by the Northwest Development Agency, Government Office North West and Manchester City Council..

Results will determine if new information and communications technologies are being used, if the internet and e-mail plays a vital role and if the region's businesses feel the e-commerce age is just pure hype.