Hewitt promotes online trading
Patricia Hewitt, secretary of state for trade and industry, says she believes the government's new e-commerce action plan will make Britain the best place in the world for online trading.
Writing exclusively for Accountancy Age’s sister title Computing, Hewitt said the UK Online for Business programme would help small businesses exploit the benefits of information communication technology.
The programme offers ‘expert, impartial, jargon-free help and support, either online or face-to-face’, Hewitt said
She added: ‘One of the biggest barriers to getting businesses online is the attitude that information communication technology offers no tangible benefits. In fact, it can transform a business and enhance its competitiveness.’
According to Hewitt, only 3% of businesses have fully integrated ecommerce into all their business activities: ‘It is essential to continue to make progress in persuading businesses of the advantages of using information communication technology, otherwise the UK’s competitiveness will decrease.’
The government has also put into place legislation aimed at finding a balance between promoting competitiveness and protecting consumers. Hewitt mentioned the Regulation of Investigatory Powers act as an example of this balance.
And she ‘scotched rumours’ that the government plans to introduce legislation forcing companies to keep record of internet traffic for the last seven year.
‘We have no plans to introduce legislation mandating the retention of communication data,’ Hewitt promised.
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