BT DIRECTOR Nigel Hedges joined representatives from Southampton's small and medium size businesses when they took the opportunity to learn how to join the e-business revolution.

He said he was extremely impressed by the enthusiasm and desire to learn more about e-business.

Mr Hedges added: "It is very clear that there is huge demand from small businesses to get to grips with the internet and develop their e-commerce skills."

"The turnout was very encouraging and there is obviously tremendous interest locally among SMEs in e-business and how it can help them succeed in the current internet explosion.''

The BT e-asy programme is visiting hundreds of towns and cities and is aimed at businesses employing less than 500 people, in particular those who do not yet have an internet presence or are in the early stages of developing web pages.