Atlanta, GA -- CollegeNet, a United Kingdom-based online training provider, is developing unique online training targeted at small businesses.

To be announced in the House of Commons on Monday, October 30th, the new program offers small firms the flexibility of only having to take specific chunks of training programs instead of whole courses. This enables them to tailor their training solutions directly to match their business needs.

A consortium of seven UK colleges, CollegeNet, has developed this delivery system in conjunction with Arthur Andersen Virtual Learning Network(sm)(VLN) which is providing the technical infrastructure. CollegeNet is supplying the resources and materials which will be available on-line to businesses throughout the country.

According to Diane Gowland, spokesperson for CollegeNet, "The advantage of this training product to small and medium sized businesses is that they have access to training that is affordable, time efficient and focused on their needs. The training is also supported by a strong team of online tutors. For the colleges involved it enables them to compete in the marketplace for delivering appropriate programs of learning to businesses".

"The VLN installation will enable all seven colleges in the CollegeNet consortium to not only use pre-existing materials as part of the VLN but also to create and share their own materials", said Norman Burton of Arthur Andersen.

The launch will be in the Jubilee Room (off Westminster Hall) and will be attended by representatives of the members of CollegeNet, Arthur Andersen, and invited MPs, Peers, officials from relevant Government Departments, and representatives of business organisations.

About Arthur Andersen

Arthur Andersen's vision is to be the partner for success in the new economy. The firm helps clients find new ways to create, manage and measure value in the rapidly changing global economy. With world-class skills in assurance, tax, consulting and corporate finance, Arthur Andersen has more than 77,000 people in over 84 countries who are united by a single worldwide operating structure that fosters inventiveness, knowledge sharing and a focus on client success. Since its beginning in 1913, Arthur Andersen has realized 86 years of uninterrupted growth, with 1999 revenues over $7 billion. Arthur Andersen is a business unit of Andersen Worldwide.

Arthur Andersen's Virtual Learning Network provides business and industry with comprehensive, flexible learning solutions tailored to performance needs and goals. These solutions combine quality courseware, a leading-edge delivery and learning management system, development of competency frameworks, and support services focused on performance improvement. Virtual Learning Network offers an extensive library of interactive multimedia content from leading courseware developers in four critical areas: Finance and Accounting; IT Skills for Professionals and End Users; Management, Supervisory and Employee Development; and Sales and Marketing. Virtual Learning Network also provides support services to help clients integrate Web-based learning into their overall training objectives. Companies that want to learn more about Arthur Andersen's Virtual Learning Network should visit our website at http://www.aavln.com, call 800-278-4871, or email aavlninfo@us.arthurandersen.com