The remedial preservation industry in the UK consists of companies that are rarely large enough to fit any of the definitions of small to medium enterprises (SMEs). They are faced with information on a wide range of legislation related to their industry from a bewildering variety of sources. Costs range from free to hundreds of pounds. Recent surveys have shown that a significant proportion of SMEs in the UK are unaware of the implications, and in some cases the existence, of safety and environmental legislation. These surveys have also shown that SMEs in many sectors are very critical of the current costs and the lack of a centralised source of information. Since remedial preservation companies are applying pesticides by various processes (including spraying) in domestic premises, their activities (and the materials that they use), are the focus of current environmental concern. It is therefore desirable that information sources are affordable, simple and user friendly. Larger enterprises often have the resources to recognise their environmental responsibilities and act accordingly, whilst the priority for the majority of small enterprises is profitability and day to day survival in an intensely competitive market. Since the management of SMEs perceive greater priorities and information is difficult to obtain, they may not implement legislation until forced to do so. If this state of ignorance is to be altered, SMEs must have comprehensive, low cost, practical information. A centralised information structure is required that will enable SMEs to comply with current and future legislation.

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