Epic Group has known success and difficult times but the company has real prospects.

Epic specialises in e-learning and provides a cost-effective way of educating and training staff.

The company is an important local employer, with 160 employees on the payroll. Of course, some investors have reason to be nervous of new technology stock but there will be real e-winners and I think Epic will be one.

"What do you know about technology stocks?" asked a friend. "Not a lot," I replied, "but I can learn." I resolved to visit Epic's head office in the Old Steine, Brighton.

The offices were not as I expected - a warren, people all over the place but, on the credit side, there was no marble fountain. There was no room. Sadly, I am of an age when the latest office technology was an electric typewriter and an inky Gestetner to distribute directors' memoranda. For training, the first company I joined sent staff to hotels -

good for a beer but I can't remember what we were taught.

John Helmer took me round the office and told me something of Epic's history.

The company was founded in 1983 and was one of the first in Europe to develop computerbased training. In 1996, it was floated on the stock exchange and became a market leader in the e-learning sector. The intervening years, however, have not been an unqualified success. Losses were incurred but the quality of Epic's learning programmes was never in doubt and the company has established a marvellous client base.

In today's world, good training is essential for our businesses and government departments.

It's no good pretending health and safety legislation doesn't exist - businesses ignore legislation at their peril.

Interestingly, Epic provides B&Q with health and safety programmes.

These are difficult days for our economy. Businesses struggle and competition is intense. Government departments are anxious to contain costs and that gives Epic a marvellous opportunity.

E-learning programmes are extraordinarily cost-effective.

Over the weekend, I determined to learn more about technology to dazzle my sceptical friend. I read the White Papers on e-Learning by Epic's chief executive Donald Clark. All went well but then I came to The Napsterisation of Learning (P2P). "What does this mean?" I asked my wife.

She shook her head, my next-door neighbour said it was "computer squeak".

decided to place an order with my stockbroker. Epic has money in the bank, has ideas and is making profits. The company is gaining significant new business. Come on Epic.