The Internet is the 21st century market place for businesses. Now Sussex companies can reach millions of potential customers using a free web directory.

Fish4 It was launched in October 1999 and operates a national database of 1.9 million businesses accessible to web users around the world.

A tailored Sussex version of the Fish4 It business directory is available from regional Argus websites and already holds details of more than 60,000 companies across the county.

Business managers taking advantage of online information services can reap financial rewards and enhance their company reputation. The world wide web is no longer the domain of techies or students.

About one in four of all UK households are online and research suggests that 75 per cent of households with a disposable income above £38,000 have Internet access. All new computers are Internet compatible and Digital TV offers an alternative avenue of access - the number of online consumers is set to increase at a dramatic rate.

Mike Herd director of the Sussex Innovation Centre said: "The Internet is becoming a basic information source for all businesses and the general public alike. As many people progressively look to the Internet as their first source for information, companies will have to see being part of it is as important as being in the phonebook."

The directory is aimed at a targeted audience - people using it are actively seeking to contract goods or services. If a company is not registered the directory will suggest another option.

Successful navigation of the vast amount of data is made easy by a versatile search mechanism ensuring the right companies are found quickly by visitors to the site.

A search of the entire directory can be made based on a company name, business type, postcode or specified Sussex town. The business type option is designed to offer additional choices to help track down the perfect match. A request for taxi firms offers extra categories, such as car hire, minicabs and courier services, one or all of which may be added to original search. The list of results can be condensed by selecting companies of interest and discarding the rest.

The company name, address and telephone number of each successful match are displayed. A small Ordinance Survey map indicating the company's location can be revealed by clicking on an arrow symbol next to the details.

Extra features can be purchased for a small fee. Breaking down the technology divide, and giving all companies access to the interactive benefits of the Internet, is the e-mail/fax facility. The visitor completes an online information sheet in the style of an e-mail which is delivered to the recipient in the form of a fax. e-mail links, connections to websites and enhanced listings can also be arranged.

Companies wanting to invest in a more expansive web presence can order a five page site to accompany their entry for the basic fee of £200 including hosting for the first year. Creation of comprehensive websites can also be negotiated.

All Sussex companies registered with the regional database are automatically included in the UK Fish4It business directory. The Fish4 network has spent £10 million advertising the brand nationwide and establishing it as a market leader.

Jonathan Turpin, chief executive officer of Fish4It, said: "There has been a huge growth in the service since the launch of the brand, there has been a quadrupling of traffic in the last four months and a very positive response from consumers. We are tremendously pleased with all the different versions and the great work that is going on to make it a truly local service."

To sign up with the Sussex Fish4It directory contact Helen Grant, head of Digital Publishing, on 01273 544404 or e-mail helen.grant@argus-btn.co.uk.

Visit the Sussex business directory at any of the regional websites, select the business option from the panel and click on the directory listing.

The regional sites are www.thisisbrighton.co.uk, www.thisisworthing.co.uk, www.thisismidsussex.co.uk or www.thisiseastbourne.co.uk.

Converted for the new archive on 30 June 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.