A MAJOR e-business conference at Sunderland's Stadium of Light next week will help businesses access new technology to improve their profitability.

EBGB, The Electronic Business Global Business event is set for November 22 and will raise awareness of new market opportunities in e-commerce whilst emphasising the need for risk-management and security.

EBGB is being organised by Bridge Club North Ltd in partnership with regional development agency One NorthEast, Barclays Bank and the business community. It is designed to engage companies traditional or high-tech, large or small, providing them with a clearer understanding of the influence of the on-line supply chain and how e-business increases competitiveness.

Analysts are forecasting massive growth in e-trading. The EBGB Conference will offer delegates information about how the worldwide web is really an electronic supply chain and how businesses can join the links to achieve improved business performance. As well as information, EBGB will also provide an opportunity for delegates to learn from the experience of regional companies which are using e-trading effectively.

One North East Chairman Dr John Bridge said: "Electronic business is a crucial component for a vibrant 21st Century economy. The EBGB seminar sends out the clearest of signals that regional business partnerships have recognised the urgent need to open up new markets by setting more of our local companies on the road to e-commerce."

EBGB will tackle issues as diverse as branding and marketing to funding, platforms, models and processes.

Anyone interested in attending the conference should contact Lorraine Surtees at Bridge Club North Ltd on 0702-1113262 or email lorrain