Bust the bug - or risk bother at the bank (From Warrington Guardian)

Bust the bug - or risk bother at the bank

THE Millennium Bug could land some firms in hot water with their banks.

The British Bankers' Association has predicted severe disruption for many small and medium sized businesses if their computer systems fail to recognise the year 2000.

And Margaret Ashby, a director of Plan-It Computer Solutions, said banks are reviewing lending to firms who haven't taken the problem seriously.

"The British Bankers' Association has expressed concern and the suggestion is that banks can call in loans from firms who have not prepared themselves to deal with the bug," she said.

Firms can prove they are ready to deal with the problem by completing a training course with Plan-It, who are one of the Government's official Millennium Bug trainers.

But demand has been patchy - despite the fact the courses are fully subsidised by the Training and Enterprise Council.

"The subsidy for the course ends in March," added Mrs Ashby. "After that firms will have to pay for their training or risk the consequences of not being ready for a period of challenge that some say will send many businesses to the wall."

For more details, ring Plan-It on 01606 862989.

Converted for the new archive on 13 March 2001. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.