Site offers firms chance to network

A new Internet site launched this week offers small businesses an opportunity to glean information, share experiences and meet industry contacts. The Plato small business website features a searchable database of more than 700 companies throughout the State, links to useful websites for start-up companies seeking advice or help, news on Plato events, and online networking and discussion areas.

The site is an extension of a Plato initiative, introduced to Ireland five years ago and based on a Belgian model. It is a business development network designed to make available the expertise and practices of big business to smaller companies, with support at a regional level.

Currently established in six regions, including two cross-Border initiatives, Plato uses senior management representatives from more than 90 of Ireland's top 150 companies to act as programme facilitators.

The programme serves 700 companies who employ fewer than 50 people. Groups of around 10 owner-managers meet a facilitator every month to organise events and advice evenings relevant to the group's chosen interest area. Specialist speakers address the groups free, while facilitator companies' offices are used as venues.

The move to make all of Plato's information available online is part of an effort to address growing interest in the Internet among businesses. A recent Irish Life/Plato survey found the three most important factors for small businesses were increasing sales, electronic commerce and staff training.

Now they can gain access to relevant information as it is posted on the website following Plato events and seminars. They can also join online polls and share information with each other electronically.

The new site, which took six months to develop, was designed by Cyber House, a Dalkey-based Plato member-company. It was planned by UCD lecturer, Mr Michael McDonnell, and managers of various Plato programmes, led by Ms Pauline Logan, worked to ensure it featured enough practical information to encourage managers of growing businesses to use it. The finished site carries about 30 articles on diverse aspects of business, written by experts.

The site (www.plato.ie), which goes live on Wednesday is open to all the companies in the network, and anyone with an Internet connection for an initial review period. Speaking at the launch, the Minister of State for Science and Technology, Mr Treacy, praised the initiative. "Plato is working to fast track the introduction of Internet technology and give its people the opportunity to get ahead in `the Internet tidal wave'," he said.

Plato receives funding from county enterprise boards, co-operation Ireland, the international fund for Ireland, Tallaght Partnership, LEDU, Dundalk employment partnership and Newry and Mourne district council.