Despite a major campaign by Action 2000, the company set up by the Government to help and advise the private sector on beating the Bug, 28 per cent of Sussex firms are still not ready for the big date change.

Action 2000 is worried that this lack of planning could cost local businesses dear with the arrival of the New Year.

Businesses can still sign up for free workshops, run by a Bug expert to make sure they use the last few weeks to best effect.

The workshops are tailored to the needs of small to medium sized enterprises and are part of Action 2000's National Mentoring Scheme.

Since its launch in March this year, the scheme has recruited more than 12,000 of Britain's SMEs to learn about the Bug, hosted by some of the country's biggest corporates.

The scheme runs until the end of November but companies have only another two weeks to register for a local event.

Gwynneth Flower, Action 2000's managing director, said: "Any business giving up just two hours to attend a free session at one of our National Mentoring Scheme workshops will have a much better chance of beating the Bug.

"Businesses who don't think they will benefit from taking part really are not only looking a gift horse in the mouth, but taking an enormous risk."

The remaining NMS events in the Sussex are: November 4, Donne Mileham & Haddock, Brighton; November 11, Sussex Innovation Centre, University of Sussex, Falmer.

An up-to-date list of National Mentoring Scheme events and information is available by calling Action 2000 on 0870 166 2000 or visiting the website at www.bug2000.com.

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