A recent DTI survey confirmed that most managers understand the importance of utilising information and communication technologies (ICT) within their organisation. This same report indicated, however, that many of these businesses were unable to identify advisors who could demonstrate expertise that combined technical knowledge with business understanding. To overcome this concern the Institute of Management, in association with many of the leading industry providers including Microsoft, Intel, BT, and Compaq have developed their own accreditation standard. The Technology Means Business standard indicates that the advisor can demonstrate their understanding of both the technical and the business processes required to fully exploit ICT within a business setting. These advisors will also have confirmed their ability to deliver advice in a manner that can be understood by the non-technical business manager. Technology Means Business has already been adopted by organisations, such as Business Link, as the minimum qualification for their ICT advisors. Similarly, many organisations that provide other ICT products and services to the business community are also adopting this standard. In an effort to better understand this process MERIT has invited Gary Ridgway - Manager of the Liverpool Technology Means Business Accreditation Centre – to come and discuss this topic in more depth. This informal presentation will include: •An introduction to Technology Means Business; •The accreditation process; •Time and cost implications; and •The potential benefits Who should attend: If you or your business provides business or ICT based advice to the business community and/or you sell ICT products or services then you need to attend this event.