The majority of businesses in Sussex is not ready for the introduction of the euro in 55 days.

A survey by business statistics company ICM found most firms in the region wanted to keep the pound and had taken no steps to prepare for the new currency that will be used in 12 European countries from January 1.

News from Westminster suggests there could be a poll in the next two years on whether the euro should be adopted here.

In less than two months, the euro will be legal tender, consigning the Deutsch mark, the franc and the lira to history.

However the vote goes, most British businesses will come into regular contact with the euro.

The No Campaign, which is the biggest of the Keep the Pound lobby groups, said its latest survey among businesses found more than twice as many chief executives in the South-East wanted to keep the pound and stay in Europe.

Its research showed 25 per cent of businesses wanted to adopt the euro, 55 per cent wanted to stay in Europe without changing to the new currency and 15 per cent wanted the UK to leave the EU altogether. The figures showed little change on a poll conducted two years ago.

Susan Boles, project manager of the Regional Euro Forum, said whichever way the referendum went, a large proportion of British firms would soon be handling euros and they should start preparing now.

She said: "It's so easy to get blinded by the political issues associated with the single currency. There are many benefits to be gained from knowing how to trade in the euro - and disadvantages - should you choose to ignore it."

Lloyds TSB Commercial said two thirds of exporting businesses in Sussex did not invoice in the new currency, although they had had two years to prepare.

Martyn Last, Lloyds TSB Commercial regional business manager, said: "It is interesting to see that despite the current high-profile debate raging around the euro many firms seem to be unaware, or worse sticking their heads in the sand, and leaving the practical preparation for the switch to the single currency to the last minute.

"Exporters could be left out in the cold and miss valuable business opportunities."

Mike Vince, marketing director of Metropolitan Factors, winner of Sussex Small Business of the Year award 2000, said: "Smaller exporting companies will need a lot of support if they are going to stay competitive. Companies that are dealing in the Eurozone will have to quote in sterling, which will have a fluctuating exchange rate, while competitors are quoting in euros, which is the same across the members of the Eurozone.

"Sterling will be a foreign currency to the rest of Europe and working out exchange rates will require extra work and costs.

"It may be a barrier to businesses but we don't really know and joining should not be ruled out. But preparation is important."

Justin Paxton, director of Crawley-based Roadman, said with less than two months to go before the rest of Europe took up the new currency, the British were still confused.