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With crime on the increase during the recession, a new
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website aims to prevent operators from becoming victims, while an emploment survey discovers that the UK jobs market may be stabilising...
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Suppliers and dients pair up
A NEW BUSINESS networking website is designed to match suppliers with customers. The British Chamber of Commerce (BCC) and Accredited Chamber Network has developed Business Network Online (BNO), which. the BCC says, goes well beyond the existing networking and tendering sites.
The site allows participating companies to build a profile page, request quotes from other members, and receive text and email alerts when a likely contract becomes available. You can determine your business preferences and network with other companies locally, regionally or nationally. Both public and private tenders can be put on the site.
To register, just contact your local chamber of commerce.
John Dunsmure, managing director of the BCC, says: "All businesses are having to look for new ways to drive sales during these difficult economic times, and we believe this tool will help in so many ways.
"Unlike some professional networking sites, the BNO isn't about collecting 'colleagues' that have no relevance to your business. Here, each contact you make has a realistic prospect of making a positive impact on your business."
The site also offers the chance for business networking, without, says the BCC, the need for travel, lost work time — or even having to don a suit.
Networking is crucial to business growth, believes the BCC, because it allows firms to identify key individuals, to drive sales and raise their profile.
• Log on www.thebusiness networkonline.com for more.