TV Licensing is targeting almost 1,200 businesses in the Ipswich area to crack down on unlicensed television use.The campaign, is specifically targeting the "Business Blacklist" - those industry sectors which extensive research has shown to be the most likely to be breaking the law by not being properly licensed.

TV Licensing is targeting almost 1,200 businesses in the Ipswich area to crack down on unlicensed television use.

The campaign, is specifically targeting the "Business Blacklist" - those industry sectors which extensive research has shown to be the most likely to be breaking the law by not being properly licensed.

TV Licensing will be warning them that they risk prosecution, a trip to court and a fine of up to £1,000 if they need a TV Licence but do not have one.

Among the blacklisted sectors include are, computing, garages, travel agencies, food and drink manufacturers, and banks.

Vanessa Wood, TV Licensing spokesperson for the South East, said: "More companies than ever before in Ipswich have a TV at work, but our research shows that many businesses may not be properly licensed. Often this is because people at work think someone else is responsible for buying the TV Licence, but in the end no one does. With the prospect of a trip to court and a £1,000 fine this could be an expensive and embarrassing mistake to make."

Independent research shows that half of all small business finance directors don't know whether or not they need a TV licence, while two thirds don't know who in their company would be responsible for buying one.

Vanessa Wood said, "This crack down is a wake up call to businesses in Ipswich. If they use or install television equipment to receive programmes, they are legally required to have a valid TV licence. We would much rather that businesses were properly licensed in the first place but if they're not, then they should know that they can expect a visit from our enquiry officers."

Stephen Alambritis of the Federation of Small Businesses said: "All businesses need to be aware of the TV Licensing regulations and how they might affect them. If a business provides televisions on site, for staff or customers for instance, and uses these TVs to receive broadcast services, they will need to be licensed. Rather than face the prospect of prosecution, we would urge our members and all other businesses to double check that they have a valid TV licence."

TV Licensing has a database of over 28 million addresses. Currently 93% of addresses across the UK are correctly licensed.