One of the world's first computerised receptionists, called Mavis, is being promoted by a Skipton businessman.

Graham Burrough, who lives in the village of Broughton, runs Inteliquote and has developed a joint venture with AKL of Sheffield who are marketing Mavis - Multi-lingual Automated Voice Independent System.

They have already promoted the system, with software developed by PTT Europe, in the USA with good results.

Now they are starting to sell Mavis in the UK, with Mr Burrough, a former insurance broker, working from home.

The system is being targeted at small to medium size enterprises - which make up 85 per cent of Bradford's industrial profile. But the system is also suitable for large firms. Mr Burrough said today: "This is a system which the smaller firm will be able to afford.

"It will also help larger firms as a basic Mavis can support 200 departments, each with 200 people in them."

He said the system could use a computer-generated or natural voice to respond to calls to a firm.

"It can answer four calls at the same time, operates in seven languages, is available 24-hours, seven days a week and still keeps going when a receptionist would normally take a holiday," he added.

The system can also re-route a message, put the caller through to voice mail and takes faxes and e-mails. It will also read out e-mails to staff phoning in when they are away from the office.

"We think Mavis will go down particularly well with the sort of business which cannot pay the going rate for a receptionist," he added.

For further information phone Mr Burrough on 07971 935 943.

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