UK group launches euro-preparation campaign

A leading British business group is launching a campaign to encourage firms to prepare for the euro.

Many UK industry organisations believe a referendum on the single currency could be less than 12 months away.

In a Euro Fitness Guide, the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) is offering practical tips to employers.

The guide, produced in association with the Royal Bank of Scotland, looks at reviewing software and re-pricing products and services.

It also examines the likely impact on company departments ranging from human resources to accounts.

The BCC says many firms have made hardly any practical preparation because of uncertainty over when any referendum would be held.

BCC president Anthony Goldstone, said: "Small businesses are understandably reluctant to spend substantial sums of money on preparing for the possibility of UK entry into European Monetary Union.

"However there are steps that businesses can and should take now that will save them money in the long run and minimise any risks of not being ready in time, should Britain decide to join."

The BCC is to survey its 135,000 members on whether they want to join the single currency.

The results will be published in time for the party's conferences in the autumn.