The new rules from Nominet UK, the national registry for .uk domain names, aims to quickly free up domain names that are no longer used.

There has always been a renewal requirement but enforcement is now being stepped up.

"We will send a reminder when the domain name is due for renewal, but if payment is not received within 30 days, the name will be suspended for a further 60 days before being cancelled," said Lesley Cowley, managing director of Nominet UK.

Once the name is suspended, the website and email addresses associated with it will not work but if it is renewed within the 60 days, normal service will be resumed.

Clients can check the status of their site using the WHOIS search on the Nominet UK website. By typing the website address without www. or http:// into the search box, users will be able to see if an address is registered and when it is due for renewal.

Quantos recommends that you contact your Internet service provider (ISP) or registration agent to ensure they are aware of the new rules. If in any doubt or in need of assistance please call Colin Hiom - free for existing clients - on 07958 695444

Renewal is the same price as registering - £5 when done through an ISP or £80 if the business approaches Nominet UK directly. If an ISP does the renewal they may add a service charge to the business. "Domain names form the basis of all website and email addresses, yet many businesses don't appear to understand what an important asset they are," said Jeremy Beale, head of the e-business group at the Confederation of British Industry and member of Nominet's Policy Advisory Board.

"We would urge everyone with a .uk domain name to contact their Internet service provider or registration agent to check their domain name is renewed in good time."