Business Link York and North Yorkshire is urging entrepreneurs to have the edge over competition and trade via the internet.

An E-Procurement Awareness Seminar takes place at The Forest & Vale Hotel, Pickering, next Thursday, between 8.30am and 10.30am.

The programme, hosted by Business Link, is designed to help businesses survive and thrive amid the many opportunities and threats presented by e-procurement, which is already used by a third of small and medium-sized companies for purchasing.

Two interactive presentations by Business Link advisers will demonstrate how trading online can bring reduced costs, new business, better cash flow, greater opportunities and better preparation for the future.

They will be: sourcing and supplier assessment, and e-tendering and e-catalogues. Afterwards there will be an opportunity to ask questions and discuss the content of each presentation.

Karen Marsden, Business Link gateway and information manager, said the main benefit of e-trading for customers and suppliers was faster, more cost-effective procurement.

To reserve a place at the seminar phone the Business Link Information Centre on 01904 686000.

Updated: 10:55 Thursday, February 19, 2004