Business update endorsed by reader survey

The e-mail business update, West Lothian Business Connections Online, has been delivering local business news updates to the local business community and beyond for the past five years.

Produced by West Lothian Council's economic development service, the February issue, due out at the end of the month, will be the service's 60th bulletin for business.

A survey carried out in January 2010 has established that 78% of readers find it useful or very useful.

More than half - 57.4% - said they had used the e-zine information in West Lothian Business Connections Online to help their business.

The monthly update gives a summary of the latest business news and developments in West Lothian. It also provides a handy planner for events and training workshops and information about new business support initiatives.

The e-zine's short news summaries provide a quick, easy read for busy business men and women, offering the opportunity - through links to the westlothian.com website - to find out more information.

It is e-mailed to more than 5,000 contacts, including local businesses and those with an interest in the local economy. A short two-page, hard copy summary can also be circulated by mail for interested parties who don't have an e-mail address.

Business services manager Sue Bedford-Visser said: "Businesses have told us that of most interest to them is news about other local businesses and new developments in the area. We are always pleased to hear from local firms and to publish their good news on the website and in the e-zine. We were pleased to learn that some 56% of readers forward the e-zine to others.

"We took the opportunity to ask readers whether they thought the e-zine should carry advertising. Some thought it might be helpful for small businesses. Others were in favour if the revenue was important to the continued publication of the e-zine. However, overall, 64% were against it carrying advertising, citing principally the need for the publication to remain impartial and uncluttered."

Overall, 119 responses were received to the survey - 2.5% of readers.

If you would like to receive the e-zine, e-mail your name, company name, address and postcode to enterprise@westlothian.gov.uk or phone Andrew Cotton on 01506 777911.