LOCAL businesses are to be encouraged to boost their business over the Internet.

Mr Richard Bindless, Chief Executive of Bolton and Bury Chamber, is backing this and other elements of the Government's Competitiveness White Paper.

He said today: "With predictions that E-commerce will account for five per cent of world sales by 2003, the Government is right to highlight the importance of doing business over the internet.

"In the months ahead, the Chamber will be doing all it can to ensure that local businesses are prepared to seize the fantastic global opportunities now available to them."

He went on: "We also welcome the ten new industry forums, which will be an excellent platform for encouraging co-operation between manufacturers and suppliers.

"We hope to contribute towards their successful implementation."

Enterprise

And he added: "Above all, Bolton and Bury Chamber will be lobbying hard to ensure that the government's spirit of enterprise does not bring with it more red tape.

"There are already too many regulatory burdens, especially in the field of employment."

Other proposals in the White Paper announced by Trade Secretary Peter Mandelson include a new Enterprise Fund, worth a total of £150 million over three years, to support the financing of small businesses with growth potential.

Business Links will also target 10,000 growth start-ups a year in England.

A change in insolvency laws is also on the cards to give businesses in difficulties a better chance of turning around.

It will also ensure that the law does not contribute to the stigma of failure.

The Government is to support a National Campaign for Enterprise which is to be led by the British Chambers of Commerce.

Mr Chris Humphries, Director-General of the BCC, said: "A weak enterprise culture acts as a critical handicap on the UK's economic performance.

"We therefore welcome the government's firm commitment to promote enterprise and a knowledge-driven economy."

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