E-commerce barriers to fall

UK European Competitiveness Minister Helen Liddell has announced that agreements in Brussels will see the end of at least some barriers to pan-European e-commerce.

A new draft directive outlines conditions for e-contract law, information access and e-mail promotion. The intention is to establish a consistent legal framework that will foster the 'single market' concept without introducing a series of new barriers.

In recognition of the fact that this whole ar

ea is changing rapidly, the directive provides for formal review every two years. And in support of both e-commerce and one of its other interests - design - the DTI has unveiled a new website - www.dti.gov.uk/design.

This provides detailed information on the industry, including a diary of UK and international events, as well as links to a long list of design-related organisations. A number of these overlap with FM responsibilities and interests.

Elliott Chase