The water regulator Ofwat has published its programme for 2000-01, which includes monitoring how water companies will implement new price limits that came into effect on 1 April and the framework for enabling competition in the industry.

Q: I’ve read about a number of cases recently where companies have got into disputes with suppliers of computer software. What issues do I need to be aware of when negotiating such deals?

Global accountancy and consultancy firm PricewaterhouseCoopers has asked 200 UK consultants to leave and hopes to replace them with e-commerce experts. Those being asked to leave are either underperformers or those with redundant skills. E-commerce amounts to around 15 per cent of the company’s annual £2 billion revenue.