Weald Computers is offering an internet cafe for hire.

The Ditchling Common-based company developed the service for conferences and exhibitions.

Its computer systems rental division, Hire IT, provides a bank of computers linked to the internet, which can be adapted and branded for the needs of each event.

Managing director Barry St John Poulton said: "We have been supplying equipment to conferences for more than three years and it was from this experience the idea for the cafe grew.

"We noticed delegates did not want to carry around portable computers or seek out access points to the internet but were keen to have easy access to their email or web sites. Managers can be reluctant to be out of touch with their company and knowing they can log on at any time to check for urgent messages can give them peace of mind.

"The cafe is also of use to people keen to promote their businesses as they can quickly show fellow delegates relevant web sites rather than expect people to look up add-resses after the event has finished."

The Hire IT division takes responsibility for every aspect of the cafe's operations.

Mr St John Poulton said: "We work with the client to make sure each cafe meets the physical and information technology needs of their chosen venue.

"We will look at the best layout for the computers before booking ADSL or ISDN lines. Two popular formats are telephone box-style booths, with monitors mounted above the keyboards and open plan desk units where people can sit in groups to use the computers.

"We can provide any type of computer equipment and add peripherals as needed. We often take along printers and digital cameras.

"Everything is ready when the servers are in place and the systems are all connected. But we don't just expect it to run itself. A member of the team stays on site to make sure everything continues to run smoothly and offers advice if needed."

The company provided an eight-unit cafe, sponsored by Learn Direct, for the Sussex in the City event at the Brighton Centre and will be setting up a cafe at the same venue for the British Crop Protection Council conference next month.

Brighton-based information technology contractor Michael Petek used the cafe at Sussex in the City.

He said: "I wanted to show a web site to an exhibitor and I would not have been able to do this on the spot without the cafe.

"It is a brilliant idea to offer this as a free extra for conference delegates. I was impressed by the quick download speeds."

Weald Computers was set up in 1988 and now has eight staff.

www.wealdcomputers.com