BUSINESSES in the Taunton area are being encouraged to trade with other firms in the area in a bid to boost the local economy.

Taunton Deane Borough Council has signed up to a new online service, Itslocal, to help businesses in the district help themselves.

The scheme is designed to encourage trading between businesses and consumers in Taunton Deane. Some local businesses have already signed up for the free service, which gives them a directory profile, an online account and support.

The online facility is designed with today’s mobile generation in mind – sending pages to mobiles, tablets, laptops, desktops and Smart TVs.

It is fully integrated with Google maps, directions and streetview and has direct links to social network pages on Facebook, twitter, Linkedin, Google+ and YouTube.

Itslocal is provided at no fee to the Council by Burrows Communications Ltd, which has also published the council’s first business directory. The comprehensive guide to local businesses and companies is being produced for the next three years in a brochure and electronic format.

Cllr Mark Edwards, executive councillor for business development, said: “Itslocal and the new directory have been designed to help companies and organisations source goods and services locally.

“These services will help to develop stronger links and encourage spending between local businesses, which will, in turn, boost the Taunton Deane economy.”

You can access Itslocal by going to www.taunton.uk.com and clicking on the Itslocal Taunton Deane icon.