The Department of Economic Development has formally launched a new online facility for the Business Synergies Programme, www.businesssynergies.im; the launch of the facility took place at the Department’s Energy Expo 2011. The Business Synergies Programme aims to bring together businesses on the Island from all sectors to help establish better cross industry resource efficiency, create new business, create new jobs and save money through the sharing of information, services and resources; consequently adding value, reducing costs and improving the environment. Www.businesssynergies.im is a central location for new and existing members of the programme to register their available resources or requirements, for sale or exchange. Members are able to access the facility 24/7 to record up-to-date information and to identify potential business synergies with other members. The facility was developed in consultation with current members to improve the accessibility of information and to encourage more businesses to register with the programme. In excess of 200 available and required resources were registered with the scheme on its inception in 2009, which has since increased to over 400. Available and required resources include materials, energy, water, assets, logistics, knowledge, ideas and staff, for example, available warehouse space or available marketing expertise. Minister for Economic Development, Allan Bell MHK commented: “I am pleased to see that the new online facility for the Business Synergies Programme is now live and accessible to all. The facility will enable local businesses to exchange resources with one another, helping deliver environmental and social benefits along with helping to improve their business efficiency and reduce costs. I encourage all businesses to register with the Business Synergies Programme and make full use of the facility.” Mrs Clare Christian MLC, Department Member with responsibility for Energy added: “Having been involved with the Business Synergies Programme from its inception in 2009 I am delighted to see the programme moving forward and becoming more accessible to businesses. The online facility will provide members with the ability to easily register their available resources or requirements and therefore provide up-to-date information to identify possible synergies between businesses. This in turn will enable the Department to identify and establish all aspects of resource use, needs and wants on the Island.” The new website www.businesssynergies.im is now live and will be administered by the Department. For further details on the Business Synergies Programme and the website contact Melinda Faragher by telephone on 682367 or via e-mail to melinda.faragher@gov.im. ENDS