A NEW quality scheme has been launched to ensure that Internet shoppers get a secure and reliable service.

Clicksure, based at the Oxford Innovation Centre in Mill Street, has set up a certification scheme to address worries such as credit card fraud.

Web traders who display the "clicksure" mark must have organised and high-quality back-up systems so that customers get the best possible service.

Clicksure chief executive Christopher Upton said: "The last few months have seen the announcement of a number of initiatives addressing safe Internet shopping.

"However, the Clicksure certification programme is the only one that uses the huge connectivity power of the Internet to produce a service that is unmatched in the quality assurance sector."

The quality standard is modelled on traditional certification methods adapted to the Web.

Oxford-based bookseller Blackwell's was the first company to sign up.

Companies taking part pay a £600 certification fee.

They undergo a self-assessment process which Mr Upton, who has a background in certification and environmental assessment in the forestry industry, says is similar to an Open Learning course. The web merchant is then checked by Clicksure.

Mr Upton said Clicksure was targeting small and medium-size businesses who might otherwise have problems inspiring consumer confidence.

He added: "The revolutionary online certification service offered by clicksure.com not only protects the consumer, but helps web traders develop sites that will encourage shoppers to actually use them."

Story date: Wednesday 13 October

Converted for the new archive on 30 June 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.