VBN to build Envirolink Northwest's new website

Envirolink Northwest has chosen Virtual Business Network Ltd (VBN) – a Sift company – to build its new business information and networking website.

[ClickPress, Mon Oct 02 2006] Envirolink Northwest has chosen Virtual Business Network Ltd (VBN) – a Sift company – to build its new business information and networking website.

Envirolink Northwest is the official cluster development agency for the north west of England, supporting the growth of regional businesses in the environmental technologies and services sector.

Going live in autumn 2006, the website will be built on VBN's web CMS (content management system), designed specifically to support online communities and professional networks, and offering a range of collaboration features beyond those of a standard content management system.

Envirolink Northwest fulfils a valuable role for its member companies, including advising on new business opportunities, developing project funding applications and facilitating business meetings and networking events. The agency is regarded as a first port of call for information on environmental matters such as waste management, recycling, land contamination, water treatment and energy efficiency.

All of these activities will be better supported by the new website, which will not only deliver enhanced levels of interactivity between Envirolink Northwest and regional businesses, but also amongst the member companies themselves.

Nick Storer, Head of Environmental Technologies at Envirolink Northwest, says:

"Envirolink Northwest has a remit to support local businesses trading in the environmental technology sector. Our website needs to play a vital role in providing not only advice and information, but also valuable business opportunities to help environmental businesses to grow - by putting them in touch with the right people at the right time.

"The ability of the website to deliver this blend of information, communication and interaction is critical. VBN offers a valuable combination of a very capable technology platform and expertise in implementing online professional networks such as ours. We look forward to seeing the benefits that the new website will bring to Envirolink's member companies."

Helen Trim, Sales & Marketing Director at Sift, comments:

"Envirolink Northwest provides a service of immense value to its regional businesses. The new website will help local environmental firms to access the information, guidance and business opportunities necessary for their continued growth and success. And the site will also bring Envirolink closer to these firms, delivering a better understanding of local business needs and so improving both the value and relevance of Envirolink's services in the future."

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For further information, please contact:

Darren Falkingham
Marketing Manager, Sift
darren.falkingham@sift.com
Sift, 100 Victoria Street, Bristol BS1 6HZ, United Kingdom
tel: +44 (0) 117 915 9609

Nick Storer
Head of Environmental Technologies, Envirolink Northwest
n.storer@envirolinknorthwest.co.uk
Envirolink Northwest, Spencer House, 91 Dewhurst Road, Birchwood, Warrington, WA3 7PG
tel: +44 (0) 1925 813 200

EDITOR’S NOTES

About Sift
Sift was established in 1996 and today provides its Sift Unity CMS (content management system) and online community platform to over 400 clients including Bristol City Council, British Mensa, Centaur Media plc, European Commission, John Wiley & Sons, The Kennel Club, Royal Town Planning Institute, NHS, Northumberland County Council, Scottish Executive and York City Council.

Sift's key markets are business and niche consumer publishers, public sector bodies, and not-for-profit organisations. Supported by the Sift Seminar Series, Sift keeps its clients at the forefront of the latest online engagement techniques. Sift has 90 staff and will generate revenues in excess of £6m in the current financial year.

Sift acquired Virtual Business Network Ltd (VBN) in June 2006 and the combined group is enjoying a strengthened presence in the vibrant online communities and professional networks market. VBN's website can be found at www.vbnonline.com

About Envirolink Northwest
Envirolink Northwest exists to promote, strengthen and support the environmental technologies and services sector in England's Northwest. Over 1,500 companies with a turnover of more than £2.7bn are active within the region’s environmental technologies and services sector.

Envirolink Northwest plays a pivotal role in improving the competitiveness of these companies through the following activities:

* Helping companies to find and win new business both at home and abroad
* Fostering innovation through unlocking funding for research and development and demonstration of environmental technologies
* Bringing regional companies and research bodies together to develop new technologies, products and commercial ventures
* Developing the skills and talents necessary to grow the industry
* Representing the sector regionally, nationally and internationally

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