This time in '99: Blair issues euro clarion call

This is how the original story broke on 24 February 1999:

UK Prime Minister, Tony Blair has urged businesses to ready their systems for the single European currency.

Blair made the rallying call as the Treasury unveiled its National Changeover Plan. The consultation document contains detailed guidelines for preparing private and public sector organisations.

Blair promised that departments such as the DSS, the Inland Revenue and Customs and Excise will be instructed to reallocate funds needed to convert their vast computer systems for euro-compliance. This will involve some "tens of millions of pounds spread over a number of years", said Blair.

Large UK companies are, for the most part, well-prepared for the euro, but small companies are having problems with the conversion. However, Blair promised they will "have the help they need".

But Steven Alambritis, a spokesman for the anti-euro Federation of Small Business (FSB), said he doubts the help will be substantial unless pressure grows on the government to provide financial assistance for the changeover.

Despite Blair's rallying call, the Federation of Small Businesses is still advising small companies not to spend a penny on conversion just yet. "Read about, talk about it, research into it, but don't spend any money on IT conversion yet," said Alambritis.