The http://www.finditinsandwell.co.uk/ initiative to help businesses in Sandwell thrive has been hailed an overwhelming success generating millions of pounds of new contracts and new jobs.

Sandwell Council’s local procurement initiative Find It In Sandwell has since its launch in April 2007 created £2.95 million worth of new contracts for local businesses.

An independent evaluation carried out on behalf of Sandwell Council by Oldbury-based Sammy Rose Management Services (SRMS) has proved that the project is having a positive affect on the fortunes of local businesses.

Find It In Sandwell aims to grow and support the local supply chain by encouraging inter-trading and making accessible the millions of pounds worth of public and private sector contracts coming into Sandwell.

Following a telephone survey of a sample of FIIS members conducted during March 2009 by SRMS it was found that the project has helped to generate more than £2.95 million of new business for local companies as well as creating 80 new jobs within the borough.

The report also highlighted how 25 per cent of businesses surveyed had gained new business to the average value of £5,800.

Since the evaluation was carried out in March 2009 the membership of FIIS has continued to grow from 3,000 registered members to approaching 4,500 by July 2009.

In addition the website now receives more than 48,000 hits per month, proving that businesses increasingly see the website as an essential business development tool during the current economic downturn.

Councillor Ann Shackleton, Sandwell Council's cabinet member for employment, skills & partnerships, said: "Find It In Sandwell has been hugely successful in growing and strengthening the local supply chain within Sandwell at a time when local businesses need all the help and support they can find.

“Since its launch, Find It in Sandwell has helped local businesses gain thousands of pounds worth of new contracts and with the membership continuing to increase I would urge all businesses within Sandwell to register and start benefiting from the new business opportunities the site provides."