New website cuts down search time for business services

A NEW free service designed to help SMEs source other commercial services has been launched.

Fountain Business Sourcing is the brainchild of former Leeds Chamber of Commerce membership adviser Graeme Fountain.

The service, which is aimed at SMEs, hopes to take the hassle out of finding business products and services by referring relevant potential suppliers.

Any business needing to source a product or service from a full office refurbishment to an HR consultant can sign up for free, while businesses that wish to become a supplier pay an annual subscription of £50 plus a small percentage of the profits made on any subsequent business transaction.

A minimum of two and a maximum of five potential suppliers for any one request.

Suppliers must undergo a rigorous vetting procedure involving due diligence and the submission of two references and are subject to legally-binding terms and conditions.

Mr Fountain said that the venture was borne out of his experience working for the chamber and more than a decade of sales experience in Leeds businesses.

He added: “I really think there is a niche in the current recession-hit market for this kind of service. Many businesses, particularly the smaller ones, are fighting to stay alive and the less time they have to waste searching for suppliers the better.

The service is initially covering Leeds and Harrogate but is eventually to be rolled out across West and North Yorkshire.