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Summer 2000
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A Lancashire town is posting information about all of its 800 businesses on-line in a bid to revive community spirit, increase company revenues and attract tourists.
Information about Heywood’s businesses, community groups and people is being made available on the Internet at www.heywood.org.uk. Heywood is a district within the borough of Rochdale.
During its pilot phase, Heywood encouraged visitors from as far afield as Australia, Canada and Switzerland to get in touch to find out more about the local area.
The software company, Datamatters, set up the virtual town and a Pick Systems FlashCONNECT database is being used to store all of the details and offer contact information. Anyone looking for a plumber, for example, can dial in and get contact details for all the plumbers in Heywood.
The database also cross references business information, so people moving to Heywood can identify estate agents, schools and possible job opportunities.
“The essence of community spirit is communication and, in the year 2000, the Internet will play a major part in this,” said Brian Leather, Rochdale’s deputy mayor
“We’re taking full advantage of technology to bring the people of Heywood together and, at the same time, give a boost to our local businesses.”
“Visitors to the Web site will be able to access information about everything from the next Women’s Institute meeting to the opening times of the local pubs,” he added.
“Potential tourists can have a look at the accommodation on offer and the things to see in the surrounding area. Using the Internet for this purpose suits absolutely everyone concerned.”
“It’s not often that you come across an entire community on-line and it’s rare to find such a forward-thinking and innovative town council,” said Nigel Town, UK country manager at Pick Systems.
“The people behind the Heywood Web site should be held up as an example to other councils. I look forward to being part of this project as it grows and gains recognition on a wider scale.”
Datamatters LimitedLast Updated: 28 Sep 2000