EVERYTHING you always wanted to know about phone and computer networks but were afraid to ask.

That is the theme of a series of free seminars for businessmen and women being hosted by a North Yorkshire telecommunications company.

Ryedale Telecommunications (RT) believes most bosses are aware new information technology could revolutionise the way they do business, but many are put off investigating further by the apparent complexity and expense involved.

At the seminars, experts from RT and its partner companies will explain about IT and telephony integration, what the new technology can do and how it has become affordable to even small businesses.

"They will outline the benefits of VoIP, or internet telephony, describe the advances in connectivity and look ahead to where the technology is going in the next five years, so businesses can futureproof themselves", said a spokesman. Alice Adams, managing director of RT, said a lot of companies realised they were a little out-of-date and needed to do something, but did not feel confident about the latest developments in telecoms and IT.

She said: "Our seminars will provide an informal opportunity for companies to learn simply and succinctly what they should be expecting from the industry today."

Questions and individual troubleshooting will be encouraged at the seminars, and there will be opportunities for valuable networking.

The first Business Communications Workshop will take place at the Queens Hotel, City Square, Leeds, from 1pm to 5.30pm on Wednesday. Admission is free, but booking is essential. To book, phone George Kane on 0870 777 4880.

RT, which has offices in Helmsley and Pocklington, is one of the fastest growing companies in the sector.

The seminars will be presented in association with Pioneer Communication Solutions and RMI Recruitment.