"All our customers will be able to access the site, and find out up-to-date information about and order discounted items," said group communications manager Philippa Charlton.

Once selected, items will be flagged up and then either faxed or e-mailed to local Robert Horne branches, which will check for availability.

Stock information will be updated daily, and Terrier on-line has full step-by-step online ordering instructions, which can be printed off and used as a reference guide.

"This is just the first in a long line of initiatives for Robert Hornes e-business strategy for 2002," Charlton said.

The name Terrier was previously used for the groups promotional products list, and was first thought of by Bessie Horne, wife of Sir Kenneth Horne, the son of founder Robert Horne.

Terrier can be accessed at www.rhg.com/terrier.

Robert Horne Group has appointed Manchester-based MagneticNorth Interactive as its e-business communications agency.

Story by Andy Scott