A new website showcasing what Sandwell businesses have to offer is set to be launched.
And it has already scored a hit with more than 1,000 firms across the borough, including West Bromwich Albion football club.
The website – www.finditinsandwell.co.uk – will be formally launched by council chiefs and their partners, including the Black Country Chamber of Commerce, at the end of March.
Free to Sandwell organisations, it aims to give the borough's estimated 10,000 businesses a boost by highlighting just what they can do.
Coun Bob Badham, Sandwell's cabinet member for regeneration, said: "This is an exciting online initiative which we believe to be the first local business trading website of its kind in the UK.
"It is being developed in recognition of the fact that major investment already in the pipeline in Sandwell – through a variety of regeneration projects worth many millions of pounds – will generate business opportunities that should make a positive impact on the local economy.
"The website aims to support local businesses by raising the profile of the borough's supply chain through an on-line directory showcasing the business capabilities available in Sandwell."
Pete Rana, president of Sandwell Chamber of Commerce, also said: "We are delighted to see that the website is already being enthusiastically welcomed by firms.
"Over 1,000 Sandwell-based organisations, across a wide range of business sectors have registered their interest in taking part. They include businesses from the legal profession, the voluntary sector, manufacturing, construction, retail and logistics industries."
West Bromwich Albion's sales and marketing director, Tim Gardiner, said, "As a business, WBA fully appreciate that a thriving and vibrant economy generates disposable income that will benefit the sports and leisure industry within Sandwell.
"With this in mind, we can see that the functionality of the website fully supports the use of local business.
"We see the website as a means of procuring and promoting a wide range of products, services and facilities. Furthermore, WBA can make their own contribution in supporting the Sandwell economy."
The online initiative will be formally launched at the end of March, but will be trialled in a pilot scheme before then.
The council is being joined by partners at the Black Country Chamber and Cradley Heath-based Ice Blue Marketing and Design in setting up the website.
Development costs of #15,000 have been met by the Government-backed Meighbourhood Renewal Fund, but private sector sponsors and advertising will be sought to meet running costs.
