A CONSORTIUM of businesses has won a £1.6m contract from the region's web portal .n-e-life.com to deliver e-commerce support for a new initiative.

Scientia Solutions, based in Gateshead, Northumbria University and Newcastle-based Perfect Image will work on the Grow Your Business project.

The initiative offers businesses a minimum of 60 per cent funding, and in some cases, as much as 80 per cent, to help them adopt and upgrade IT and Internet solutions.

Norma Foster, general manager of n-e-life.com, said: "This funding represents a huge opportunity for all North-East businesses to easily access and adopt e-commerce, as well as move up the e-business ladder.

"The consortium has the resources, capability and track record to deliver a high standard of work to around 300 businesses between now and March 2005. It is a major project and needs a focused, professional and flexible team."

The consortium will provide a range of e-commerce services to successful applicants. These will vary from the design and delivery of new or upgraded web sites to the delivery of virtual e-stores, and the more complex back office e-integration projects.

The group will also provide advice on e-strategy and technical support via a helpdesk service. To find out more about Grow Your Business funding and support packages, call 0845 111 1067 or visit www.n-e-life.com/funding.