A ROSSENDALE company at the cutting edge of e-technology is setting the tones for mobile phones in 200 countries around the world.

Lammtara Industries - launched from the front room of a house in Rawtenstall two years ago - is now working with clients as diverse as Cadbury Schweppes and the Department of Education and Skills.

With 20 employees and offices in Rawtenstall and Leeds, Lammtara has emerged as a world leader in the fast-moving world of communication technology.

The business was founded by Barry Sharples who explained that the first nine months was spent just programming and building web, text, wireless, digital and voice platforms.

Rossendale Enterprise Trust assisted with the first expansion into St Mary's Chambers in Rawtenstall.

The first customer was Cellstar, the world's largest cellphone distributor and other top companies have since made their way to the Rossendale Valley to buy into Lammtara's expertise.

The company has set up mail systems dedicated to chocolate-lovers for Cadbury and, for the Department of Education and Skills, it has launched the Connexions card for secondary school pupils.

Lammtara also provided the technology for Orange plc at the Formula 1 Grand Prix to deliver up-to-the-minute track and team information to fans throughout the world.

Providing access to applications and databases via WAP, GPRS, SMS, the web and VSP is bread and butter for the company. With their applications, a company rep for example can access the company's full computer data from his or her mobile phone.

Said Barry: "This sort of service is ideal for a sales manager who wants to check stock, availability and latest sales figures by using his mobile while out on the road."

Another application for Lammtara's platforms is the growing craze for personalising mobile phones with a music chart ringtone or theme-logo.

"Our business is based on providing what the business customer wants from his or her communications systems - from something as simple as accessing e-mails from a mobile phone to setting up a complete e-mail package for a large company," he said.

"The potential is limitless as businesses across the world look for more efficient, faster and cost-saving communications with staff, suppliers and customers," added Barry.