Even the smallest business in the South East can now join the on-line revolution, following the launch of a new Europe-wide initiative called ChamberSign.

Chambers of Commerce across the UK, including Sussex Enterprise, have joined forces with Royal Mail ViaCode to provide a low-cost secure system that will let companies tap into the benefits of e-commerce and reduce the ever-growing burden of complying with government red tape.

Under the first initiative of its kind, business will straight away get security and trust for e-mail, the web and information stored on their computers, for around £1 per week.

The service could pay for itself by enabling companies to receive the new £50 discount from Customs and Excise for electronic VAT returns.

Director of marketing at Sussex Enterprise Alan Brooks said: "ChamberSign electronic certificates enable businesses to trade and send confidential data over the internet with a high degree of security.

"Personalised encryption ensures messages are transmitted and received with industry-strength security, overcoming current concerns about people being able to access your secure data."