THE potential benefits to business from the Internet are to be highlighted as part of a new e-commerce campaign.

Aimed at Ireland's 180,000 small and medium enterprises (SMEs), the campaign will bring expert speakers to a range of venues over the next 12 months.

The Don't Be Left Behind initiative is a joint venture between IBEC and the Information Society Commission. It will involve seminars in Cork, Galway, Limerick, Dublin, Dundalk, Waterford, Ennis, Ballina and Tralee.

Speaking at yesterday's launch, the Minister for Public Enterprise, Ms O'Rourke, said: "The early adoption of e-commerce by SMEs will be a factor in Ireland's bid to become an e-commerce hub and achieve a significant share of the e-commerce market."