Business Link and Birmingham Chamber of Commerce have joined forces with BT to stage two events this week which will show why broadband and the internet should be integral to any modern firm.

The two breakfast meetings will explain how trading online can boost a firm's competitive edge.

The first, which takes place tomorrowat the BT headquarters in Brindleyplace, is aimed at existing broadband users. The second, which takes place on Thursday at BT's offices at Trinity Park, Solihull, will guide those firms taking their first steps.

The Brindleyplace event, aimed at existing users, will help businesses find out more about the latest range of broadband solutions on offer to help support and grow their business.

It will be made up of a series of presentations covering topics such as remote access, wireless networking, security, and voice over IP, as well as providing delegates with a general overview.

The Trinity Park event, aimed at potential new adopters, will provide an overview of the power of broadband and give examples of how it can be used to increase a company's competitive edge.

Derek Lote, Business Link ICT service delivery manager at Birmingham Chamber, said: "These events are aimed at helping both new adopters and existing users of broadband to understand how they could be using it effectively, and to ensure that they are exploiting the potential of this technology to the full."

Frank Mills, BT West Midlands regional director, said: "Our local businesses need to be encouraged to take advantage of the ways in which broadband technology can help them to compete effectively and operate efficiently in a global marketplace."