| Journal: TWUK | Section: |
| Title: | Issue Date: 19/06/00 |
| Author: | Page Number: 4 |
| Copyright: Other |
European Union to be asked to contribute towards the new Internet venture
Midconsort seeks funding for Web site
Report by LISAJAMES
MIDCONSORT is to ask the European Union for money to help fund a Web site that will give members immediate access to latest deals offered by suppliers.The venture is being earmarked as a priority by new chief executive Mike Gates who joined the consortium last month.
Gates, who previously worked as a technology consultant to the travel trade, is currently developing the first stage of the site.
This will enable users to communicate with each other over a closed-user group and to pick up information about the consortium. It will contain a database of information from suppliers that can be accessed by members. Special deals will be e-mailed to agents as they become available.
Gates eventually wants to link the Midconsort site up with operators’ on-line sites so members can make reservations over the Internet, or so that customers can make the bookings themselves and Midconsort members can still receive commission.
“At the moment, only about 30% of members have access to the Internet.
“Some people are really switched on when it comes to technology and have designed their own back office and front-office systems but others have just got viewdata.”
Gates is encouraging members who do not have access to suitable hardware to take advantage of a new Government ruling.
Introduced in March’s budget, the ruling allows small businesses to write off 100% of technology bought against tax.
Previously, only 25% of the full figure could be written off.
“Our members will now be able to access tactical discounts offered by operators and the kind of offers that are available to other agents who are vertically integrated or have the strength to negotiate their own deals.
“Members will be able to get information e-mailed to them or they can get it themselves by looking on the closed-user group site.”
Gates:the new Internet site will allow Midconsort members to access all the latest deals from suppliers