BUSINESS Link Berkshire and Wiltshire is advising companies in south Wiltshire to ensure they are ready for the final part of the act.

Part III, entitled Rights of Access to Goods, Facilities, Services and Premises, comes into force on October 1. From this date, says Business Link, companies will have to consider making reasonable adjustments to their premises to make them accessible to those with sensory, mental or physical disabilities.

Companies that provide a service direct to the public have a legal duty not to discriminate against a disabled person by treating him or her less favourably than other customers, it explains.

Those whose service is either impossible or unreasonably difficult for disabled people to access, may be required to change practices, policies or procedures, or to provide a reasonable means of avoiding the physical barrier, such as by adapting premises.

"Taking the view that the final deadline is a way off, and that there's no need to make any changes yet is extremely short-sighted," said Tony Way, social inclusion manager at Business Link Berkshire and Wiltshire.

"The priority for company decision-makers is to review their premises now and take the responsibility for driving through any necessary policy changes, physical adjustments or staff training to ensure they are legally compliant.

"Business Link can put businesses in contact with organisations that specialise in advising businesses about their legal obligations and the implications of the act.

"These organisations can also appraise the accessibility of their premises to assess whether they meet the new requirements for access."

He added: "There are more than nine million disabled people in the United Kingdom and they have considerable spending power.

"And it is worth remembering that any adjustments companies make for disabled people may also benefit other customers and staff."

For further information, consult the Disability Rights Commission at www.drc-gb.org or telephone Business Link on 0845 600 41 41.

A company has produced a pack to help firms cope with the act.

DDA Services UK Ltd was set up by a group of people who went through the rigours of compliance with the act for their own organisations. It says that for small companies, it sounds expensive and inconvenient, but can be quite the opposite once the right kind of help is sought.

"We offer a simple first- step guide to removing barriers to access through the DDA Services (UK) Access Audit Pack," says managing director John May.

The pack can be ordered by calling Tara Underwood on 01206 212172.