Andrew Neil, chief Editor of the (excellent!) Scotsman newspaper based in Edinburgh, told delegates attending the first Connect Investment Conference that concerning Internet business that: "It's time to wake up to what's going on because a huge wave of change is about to happen. If you don't respond you simply will be excluded."

He is absolutely correct, having seen the growth in financial and other services on line, Scotland has a chance to take a strong lead over England in pushing for secure, fast, reliable internet services.