A BUSINESS organisation is calling on the Government to do more to promote the single currency amid concern that companies are ill-prepared for the future.

The go-ahead for the launch of a single currency on January 1 next year for 11 EU nations, excluding the UK, was given last Friday.

Euro notes and coins will be introduced alongside local currencies in those countries joining European Monetary Union on January 1, 2002.

Last month's survey from the Thames Valley Chamber of Commerce & Industry found there was an appalling lack of information on the impact of the single currency.

Fewer than 17 per cent of those interviewed said they were well-enough informed on its likely effects.

The chamber points out that the single currency will have an enormous impact on the way in which British companies conduct business, both nationally and internationally, regardless of whether the UK Government decides to join.

Its findings coincide with research from National Westminster Bank, which found that many businesses, particularly SMEs (small and medium-sized enterprises) had not begun to consider the implications of EMU, which could put them at a significant competitive disadvantage.

Rod Tomlin, corporate director at NatWest's Chilterns Corporate Business Centre, in High Wycombe, said: "With less than a year to go, too many companies have planned too little too late, leaving themselves seriously at risk through failing to appreciate the implications of the euro on all corporate activities."

NatWest Bank business customers can already open euro current accounts.

Barclays will provide the facility at its local branches from July.

Holidaymakers locally will be able to buy euro travellers cheques early next year when Thomas Cook launches the service globally.

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