Futuremedia, the Brighton-based online learning company, has received another £7 million worth of orders from Royal Mail.

Earlier this year the firm won a contract to deliver internet access to 200,000 Royal Mail workers as part of a drive to improve computer literacy in the workforce.

The Government's Home Computing Initiative (HCI) offers businesses tax incentives to help them offer employees home computers at heavily discounted prices.

Futuremedia, based in Nile Street, has developed an electronic learning programme called Learning For All to help companies take advantage of the scheme.

Learning For All provides workers with a computer, internet access, learning programmes for the family and personal use, and access to business programmes.

For people who are not familiar with PCs, the equipment is installed at their homes and they will be given a demonstration.

Royal Mail chief executive Adam Crozier said the HCI scheme was the "most popular thing we have done for our people in the past 20 years."

Futuremedia chief executive officer Mats Johansson said: "We are very pleased the uptake of the Learning For All programme by Royal Mail employees has again come in at the upper end of our expectations. It confirms the popularity of our integrated approach to learning."

In a separate development Futuremedia has joined forces with Microsoft to encourage more organisations to involve staff in HCI.

Because the Learning For All programme uses Microsoft Office, the two companies have decided on a joint marketing strategy.

Mr Johansson said: "HCI offers employers a tax-efficient and cost effective way of providing their staff with a tangible employee benefit for a minimal investment.

"Our Learning For All programme capitalises on the HCI to engage people and enhance performance by providing a home computer and learning packages for the whole family in addition to the employees' access to their own learning zone.

"The relationship between Futuremedia and Microsoft demonstrates the two companies' key strengths and their joint commitment to increase the individual ownership of computers in support of individual, organisational and governmental goals."

Danny Ovens, HCI Manager at Microsoft UK, said: "Futuremedia is an award-winning HCI provider and is significantly extending the benefits that can be gained through the UK Government's HCI.

"We are delighted to be working with Futuremedia to promote our outcome of getting more employees using computers in the home."

Friday July 23, 2004