A website dedicated to supplying students with discounted course books was introduced yesterday.

Study-books.com, which guarantees at least 10 per cent off cover prices, was set up as a project at the Technology and Software Incubation Centre at the University of Ulster. Nearly £500,000 (€635,324) has been invested in the first funding round and co-founder Mr Troy Armour said the firm hoped to secure £2 million sterling (€3.34 million) from venture capitalists before Christmas.

Mr Armour said business on the site had been brisk since it started taking orders last Thursday. The site, with a 48-hour service, says it can offer up to 40 per cent less than the recommended retail price.

Students who club together to order books can maximise the discount by having the order delivered to one address, saving multiple delivery charges.

At the moment, payment can be made by credit card or Laser. A cheque option will be introduced soon.

Study-books.com is doing an eight-week tour of 60 British and Irish universities as part of its marketing campaign.