Solicitors 'streamed' on-line to put SMEs in the pictureThe first broadband delivery of on-line learning, in the form of legal training seminars streamed over the Internet especially for small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs), has been launched by on-line continuing professional development company 2Ends.The learning seminars, three of which are available at present, comprise 20-minute-long video programmes on legal topics of particular interest to SMEs, featuring interviews with legal experts and links to a number of relevant statutes and articles.The seminars, known as 'Business Brief', are streamed on BT's broadband portal - BT Openworld - and can be viewed via computers free of charge to subscribers.

'BT wanted to make their portal individual, and provide genuinely original information for its subscribers,' said solicitor and 2Ends director Robin Fry.The first three on-line seminars cover copyright issues, including Internet copyright and restrictions on mailshots; legal pitfalls at job interviews, giving advice as to the what questions should be avoided and the legality of CV verification; and a seminar giving advice on the Enterprise Investment Scheme for SMEs.Lawyers from London firms Bird & Bird, Finers Stephens Innocent, Olswang, Reynolds Porter Chamberlain, Willougby & Partners, and Bates Wells & Braithwaite are providing these seminars.Mr Fry said: 'We have plans to further expand the range of seminars we offer, but the initial idea was to focus on questions that small businesses should be asking but often aren't.

For example, many SMEs are under the impression that the Enterprise Investment Scheme is only relevant for big businesses, whereas in reality it offers genuinely constructive advice for small businesses.'He added that although many SMEs had an accountant in-house, it was unusual to find many companies outside the FTSE 100 with an in-house lawyer.

'The cost of external legal advice is obviously an issue for many SMEs, and hopefully these seminars will keep them on the straight and narrow without need for recourse.'Along with the seminars streamed on broadband, the screen also features allied narrowband content, such as text explaining the seminars and providing information about trade associations and specialist professional advisers in various fields.LINKS www.2ends.com/law/Victoria MacCallum