MAP Business networking, IT and e-business

=== Sub section: Business networking ===
Q 7.What regular events are there to bring the business community together; for example, breakfast clubs and trade fairs? 
Find out: 
what they are 
how often they are held
Q 8. What arrangements are there for local suppliers to be able to network? Examples may include a Business Directory or website for the town.
Q 9, What business meeting and business conference venues are available?
a)Are these venues available when needed?
b)Are these venues big enough?
c)Are these venues available at reasonable rates?
=== Sub section: IT and e-business ===
Q 10. Is there a published strategy relating to the use of information and communication technology (ICT)?
Is the strategy readily available?
Is the strategy easily understood?
Q 11. What local training and support is there to help companies address ICT problems and to develop their ICT capability?
Q 12. What is/will be the availability of high-speed Internet access (at 512 kbits/second and at 2Mbit/ second):
Now
In 6 months’ time
In 12 months’ time
Q 13 What proportion of all businesses use broadband?  
What local businesses are considering using broadband in the near future?
Q 14. What do local businesses see as the key benefits of using broadband? 
Examples could be: speed, convenience, cost savings, access to wider markets, increased customer contact, faster response, access to wider resources, business innovation.
Q 15. Why do some local businesses not use broadband? 
Reasons may include
Difficulty with availability
Financial cost
Too time consuming
No business advantage
No ICT support available
Q 16. How many local businesses
a.Use e-mail? 
b.Have a website?
c.Make purchases or sales over the Internet? 
d.Gain access to key business resources over the Internet?
Q 17. How many local businesses collaborate over the Internet with partner firms? 
Look here at cluster or supply chain relationships
Q 18. Which public sector offices and sites currently have broadband communication facilities for external access? 
What proportion is this of all public sector office locations? 
(Worksheets S2 Q5; S4; S5 Q10; S7 Q6; T2 Q11,12; T3 Q16 also refer to local government services)