Businesses in Caithness and Sutherland are being urged to log-on to the benefits of e-commerce by attending a series of awareness raising events in the area next month.

The local enterprise company, Caithness and Sutherland Enterprise (CASE) has organised four different events aimed at promoting the benefits associated with the Internet and e-commerce. The potential market, both in the UK and abroad, is enormous, with an estimated 10 million Internet users in Britain alone, and a million of those consider themselves regular 'net' purchasers.

The CASE events are part of a programme of Internet and E-Commerce courses launched recently by Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE). The events are set to encourage electronic commerce in Small to Medium Sized Enterprises and aims to increase business turnover and boost employment.

Four different events are taking place this month varying from the basics of how to connect to the net and use e-mail to more advanced topics, such as developing an e-commerce plan.

Details of the courses available are as follows: -

• Internet: Connecting Your Business Date: Wednesday 3rd May Venue: The New Weigh Inn, Thurso Time: 9am - 4.30pm Price: £25 + VAT per person (including course materials and refreshments)
• E-Commerce: Is it For You? Date: Wednesday 3rd May Venue: The New Weigh Inn, Thurso Time: 5.30pm - 9.30pm Price: Free of charge
• E-Commerce: Recognising Opportunities Date: Thursday 4th May Venue: The New Weigh Inn Time: 9am - 4pm Price: Free of charge
• E-Commerce: Getting Started Date: Wednesday 31st May Venue: The Park Hotel, Thurso Time: 9am - 4.30pm Price: £40 (including VAT) per person

To book a place on one of the courses contact Claire Bremner at CASE on tel: 01847 805220, fax: 01847 893383 or e-mail: cl.bremner@hient.co.uk