A comprehensive online directory of Devon businesses has been launched by Devon Renaissance, the rural regeneration partnership organisation for the county. The Devon Business Directory — which is free to use — has been set up in partnership with West Devon, Torridge, North Devon, South Hams, East Devon, Mid Devon and Teignbridge district and borough councils and the South West of England Regional Development Agency. The 55,000 businesses listed in the directory have been gathered from the top commercial list holders and have been checked against the Royal Mail's own listing for accuracy of addresses and CodePoint for postcodes. Users of the online services will be able to search for businesses or services by name, type or location, and can also save searches for future reference. About half the businesses listed are sole traders or are self-employed people. The directory has cost around £30,000 to produce, including licences for the various lists, and Liz Abell, of Devon Renaissance, says it is money well spent: 'We believe this to be the most comprehensive directory of Devon businesses there is, and it will be a valuable tool for individuals and businesses to find services they need, and for the businesses listed to promote themselves. 'The information we have put together is also very useful for us and for our partners — as well as other organisations — to assess how many and what type of businesses we have in Devon. This will help us to deliver the programmes and services that business really need.' The directory can be accessed at http://www.businessdevon.net">www.businessdevon.net
