Business could be missing out on an access cash bonanza worth £50 billion the Disability Rights Commission has warned.

Speaking on the eve of a joint conference with the Confederation of British Industry, the DRC urged business leaders to step up their efforts to ensure fair access for disabled people.

Forum Response: Disabilty Rights Commission

Bert Massie, chairman of the DRC, said: "Awareness of the new duties among business is worryingly low. According to recent research fewer than half of businesses surveyed were aware of the impending changes.

"Disabled people have an annual spending power of £50 billion and business risks losing out on this access cash bonanza.

"The DRC is urging businesses to positively engage with this issue as soon as possible and to listen to the advice being offered in our Open 4 All Campaign. The message is clear; bad access is bad for business."

Forum Response: Federation of Small Businesses

Stephen Alambritis, head of parliamentary affairs, told ePolitix.com: "There is a genuine business case for Britain's 3.8 million small businesses to become user friendly to Britain's 8.6m disabled people.

"The DRC has proved to be business-like in its approach and we have enthusiastically given our support to the 'Open 4 All' campaign to help ensure it engages small firms."

Forum Brief: The Shaw Trust

A spokesperson for the Shaw Trust said: "Shaw Trust very much welcomes this element of the DDA.

"Access is, of course, of paramount importance for all individuals - for disabled customers and employees alike.

"Shaw Trust works with thousands of employers across the UK each year, and although progress has been made in this area, there is certainly a long way to go. Access is a fundamental right, not a luxury."

Forum Response: The Disabilties Trust

Matt Townsend, public affairs officer for the Disabilties Trust, told ePolitix.com: "The trust endorses the comments made by both Bert Massie and Digby Jones.

"While it is true that many businesses are already making changes, it is clear that much still needs to be done in order for every company in the private sector, however small, to meet the October deadline.

"While it is understandable that some in business will see this as yet another cost being imposed, as has been pointed out, many will benefit from the extra custom of Britain's eight and a half million disabled people. It is also pleasing to see that the country's biggest business organisation supports the DRC's message."