SMEs given euro incentive
Small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) have more difficulty in taking up use of the euro currency, resulting in a relatively small number embracing the new currency. In order to help stimulate its use, the Association for the monetary union of Europe (AMUE), along with the European Commission, IBM and the European federation of accountants (FEE) has set up a 'Euro Trophies' competition. To participate in Euro Trophies, an Internet questionnaire must be filled in before 15 October by an SME along with a business partner who has helped in that preparation (such as an accountant, bank, IT provider, etc). The answers provided will then be evaluated by a panel of judges who will: - evaluate the level of preparation of these enterprises in responding to the challenges of the euro, and - encourage these enterprises to describe the creative and successful approaches they have developed. The five award winners will receive a trophy from a member of the European Commission and a 'think pad' laptop from IBM. The five categories are - manufacturing companies - tourism enterprise - service and transport companies - retailers - craftsmen and self-employed.