SMALL business in West Somerset could soon be selling their products and services world-wide on the internet thanks to a cash injection from Europe.

A £130,000 cash boost from the European Regional Development Fund designed to enable local specialist businesses to compete globally has been hailed as a massive financial shot in the arm for the district's fragile economy.

Neil Saunders, business adviser with Connecting Somerset, a consortium of local councils and business organisations, said: "This is just what small firms in West Somerset have been hoping for.

"It took some time for broadband to reach many of the small communities in The Quantocks, the Brendon Hills and Exmoor.

"This new pot of money will enable rural and specialist businesses in these areas to take full advantage of high speed Internet communication and e-commerce which is so important in today's business world.

"It's of particular importance in the agricultural and tourism sectors, which are the lifeblood of the local economy, as there are so many people who are now only researching the market and placing bookings on-line."

Cllr Roger Webber, responsible for finance on West Somerset Council, added: "This is a financial shot in the arm for our small business community.

"Any firm could be missing an important trick if it doesn't seize this opportunity to get its business interests on-line."

Special workshops are planned in the Autumn to help business owners who may be unfamiliar with the technology or fear investing in something that they've never used before.

Application forms for grant support and details of workshops are available from Connecting Somerset on 0845 130 1595 or by e-mail to info@connectingsomerset.co.uk