Barter site 'way out of downturn'

The website aims to encourage businesses in the city to trade with each other.

A South Yorkshire restaurateur believes bartering is the key to surviving the economic downturn for businesses in Sheffield.

Richard Mills, who runs the Walnut club restaurant said that by sourcing goods and services within the city the economy could benefit by £5m a year.

And in an effort to kick-start the process a website called "trade Sheffield" is being set up.

"We're looking not for 100 firms, but 1,000 to join the site" said Mr Mills.

"If 100 businesses in Sheffield were to buy from each other and keep the money in the local economy it would benefit us by £5m.

"Our targets, we're looking not for 100, but for a 1,000 people or businesses on this website and this can be from fishmongers to bakers to the biggest companies in Sheffield."

The website is expected to be launched in the next few days.