Social networking site for businesses launched

Date: 2nd June 2009

A social networking portal designed to help small businesses secure contracts has been launched.

The Business Network Online (BNO) is the latest initiative from the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) and will give companies a safe platform in which to bid for work and sell products and services.

The BCC hopes that the portal will boost cashflow for small firms, such as sole traders and partnerships.

Managing director of the organisation John Dunsmore said: "All businesses are having to look for new ways to drive sales during these difficult economic times.

"The BNO isn't about collecting 'colleagues' that have no relevance to your business … each contact you make has a realistic prospect of having a positive impact on your business."

Research published by the Forum of Private Business last month showed that more than a quarter of small firms saw an increase in their business viability during April.