UK Online for Business
The DTI-led UK online for business programme exists to help UK businesses exploit the business benefits of Information Communication Technologies (ICTs) - a major driver for competitiveness. The programme is part of UK online, a nationwide initiative to put the UK at the forefront of e-business.

UK online for business:

• raises awareness and understanding of doing business online
  
• provides advice to help small companies incorporate ICT into their business
  
• works with leading business, professional and trade associations via a partnership programme
  
• produces booklets written in clear, simple "jargon-free" language
  
• gives access to a network of advisers offering advice that is cost-effective, jargon-free and independent
  
• runs an annual E-Commerce Awards competition
  
• advises on European funding via UKISHELP

The UK online for business website is geared to helping you succeed in online business, providing impartial advice, free publications, case studies, events, a partnership programme, international research and guidance on Information and Communication Technologies. As part of UK online, the overall objective is to make the UK the best place in the world for doing business online.

DTI International Business Development Unit
The DTI's International Business Development Unit is dedicated to assisting the UK's communications and information industries develop their international business interests. UK Government support for trade development is operated mainly through British Trade International under its trade and export arm UK Trade & Investment and, for inward investment projects, through UK Trade & Investment.

The International Business Development team works closely with both organisations, bringing its sector knowledge and expertise into the development of co-ordinated strategies for those sectors where the UK can compete successfully internationally or attract investment to the UK.

Much of this contact comes through developing relationships with UK industry and trade associations and other organisations (e.g. UKTA), as well as individual companies. These close ties with industry enable the team to develop a picture of the UK's strengths and capabilities, and to focus Government assistance where industry wants it most.

International Business Development
To ensure that the Government provides effective support to the communications and information industries as exporters and international investors, we offer advice and assistance to British Trade International in helping them to set their priorities in this fast moving sector.

CONTACT for INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT
151 Buckingham Palace Rd
London SW1W 9SS
Tel: 020 7215 1740
 jeff.alford@dti.gsi.gov.uk

UKISHELP
There are excellent opportunities for UK organisations to obtain funding from the European Community (EC) for innovative projects involving IT, multimedia, telecoms, electronic commerce, digital content and public interest applications and services.

The UKISHELP web site carries information on the European Union funding available and on how to qualify, as well as up-to-date news on Calls for proposals and events. There is also a telephone support line (0870 606 1515) to field your queries and either answer them or point you towards appropriate sources of help.

Business Link and the Small Business Service.
The Small Business Service (SBS) is an agency of the DTI. It has been specifically set up by the Government to champion the interests of small businesses. The SBS also runs Business Link, the national business advice service. Use this site to get straightforward information for your business needs and to access a wide network of business support organisations. Business Link brings together many of the most important local business support services and offers access to experienced specialists.

Telework
New ways of working in the Information Age are made possible through the coming together of computing technology and telecommunications. Work done at a distance from a conventional office using both a computer and a telephone connection is known as telework. Telework can involve work done at home, on the move, in a telecentre, or in a satellite office.

"Working Anywhere: exploring telework for individuals and organisations" is a free 40 page booklet offering guidance, case studies and information sources. It is obtainable from the UK online for business website in the Download centre or by telephoning the infoline on 0845 715 2000.