There can be few people left who haven't heard of the Millennium Bug. But that is not quite the same thing as saying that everyone has done all they can to counteract its effects.

Action 2000 is an organisation specifically set up by the Government to maintain publicity about this potentially extremely damaging threat - which in brief is that certain computers may be so baffled by the switch from a year starting with a '1' to one starting with a '2' that they may not be able to cope, and so just switch off in disgust.

The message from Action 2000 is to act now. They pose a series of questions which businesses need to ask themselves so as to be sure of having looked at the problem from all angles:

Do you think you've done everything possible to protect your business from the Bug?

Has your Bug programme tackled the Bug not just in PCs but elsewhere in your offices, building or factory systems?

Are you confident that your customers and suppliers are ready for the Bug - will they be able to deliver as usual - and pay you on time?

Do you have assurances from suppliers that their products are Millennium-compliant?

Are you aware of the legal and insurance implications which the Bug will have on your business?

Are you in constant touch with your business partners to make sure the Bug does not prevent 'business as usual'?

Do you have contingency plans in place in the event of Bug disruption to your business operations?

Have you communicated your plans for business opening over the New Year to your staff and customers?

If you answered 'no' - or hesitated before answering 'yes' - to any of the above questions, your business could at best be facing disruption. At worst you could cease trading in the New Year.

Action 2000 suggests that you get involved with its National Mentoring Scheme. This is a joint initiative between Action 2000 and industry that works by enabling companies to help one another in their preparations for the Millennium Bug.

Managers can find out more about the National Mentoring Scheme and the workshops by calling Action 2000's action line on 0845 601 2000. Bookings for Bug workshops can be made on the National Mentoring Scheme's Registration Line - 0870 166 2000. Action 2000's website is www.bug2000.co.uk, and features fact sheets on measures to be taken and signposts to future information.

Converted for the new archive on 30 June 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.