The Forum of Private Business, a small business pressure group, has called for the deadline for chip-and-PIN machine installation to be extended beyond the New Year.

A survey of retailers by the forum revealed that 47% were not ready for the changeover to chip-and-PIN technology. A spokesman for the group reckoned this figure would be similar for the hospitality industry.

"Worryingly, if businesses do not install the new machines by 1 January they will be liable for any fraudulent transactions," said a spokesman for the forum. "We think this is an issue that can easily be resolved by extending the deadline."

If your business is struggling to implement the new chip-and-PIN technology, please contact Caterer at chotnews@rbi.co.uk and let us know.