The first steps towards the creation of an Internet portal to promote Shetland as an ideal place for life, leisure and business have begun with a recruitment drive.

4QL Limited, project manager of the Shetland Gateway, has kicked off the proposal with a hunt to find web development companies interested in working on the project.

Designers and programmers are needed to shape the portal, which is a new, independent and non-commercial website that aims to provide a central focus to promote Shetland to the world.   The website www.Shetland.org will include articles that will demonstrate the excellent quality of life in Shetland and help to attract new industries to the area. It will include extensive pictures, sound and movie clips to entice visitors to Shetland not just in the summer but all year round.

Of the hundreds of businesses already operating successfully in Shetland, many are already using e-commerce to sell their products throughout the world. By impartially promoting these businesses on the internet, the Shetland Gateway will help increase the level of business done world-wide, bringing more revenue to Shetland.

The project sponsors, Shetland Islands Council and Shetland Enterprise, are keen to maintain a very high standard.

"First impressions are as important on the Internet as they are in face-to-face communications," said Roy Longmuir of Shetland Enterprise. "The Shetland Gateway itself will demonstrate the very highest quality and professionalism in its design and operation. To maintain this image of high quality it is important that all businesses accessible through the Shetland Gateway are encouraged and assisted to achieve the similar high standard. To this end a free audit will be available with financial and technical assistance to implement any recommendations arising."

The development of the Shetland Gateway is being managed by 4QL Limited, a local software and web developer which would like to hear from any business, in Shetland or further afield, that is interested in becoming involved in this project. Experts in graphical web design and web programming are required, as are good quality pictures, sound and movie clips.

"The internet has broken down the geographical barriers that have traditionally isolated Shetland and the Shetland Gateway web site will use this to promote Shetland's advantages to the world." said Mike Robertson of 4QL. "In return, the world will gain access to the wealth of top quality goods and services that Shetland has to offer securing jobs and prosperity for the future."

Full details can be found on the development web site www.shetland.org/development  or email your details to ShetlandGateway@4ql.co.uk

For further information please contact:
Douglas Irvine, Shetland Islands Council Development Department  - douglas.irvine@sic.shetland.gov.uk  01595 744932
or
Roy Longmuir, Shetland Enterprise - roy.longmuir@hient.co.uk 01595 746804