Watchdog set up to safeguard North East websites

Jun 3 2010 by Iain Laing, The Journal

A WATCHDOG has been launched to offer North East businesses a way of finding a reliable way of running a website.

The Federation of Media Development Companies (FMDC) has been launched in Middlesbrough after an increasing number of firms complained of being taken advantage of by web designers.

The aim of the FMDC is to be the lead regulator for businesses offering services like web design and hosting, and enable them to sign up to a charter which proves that they are a reliable firm.

It also plans to be the first proactive repository of clients’ access codes and domain registration details, which provides secured back-up emergency facilities.

FMDC co-director Stuart Davies said: “If a web design company goes bust or disappears, it can mean your company’s web presence is wiped out with one fell swoop.

“Not only does that have a negative effect on any business, but it can also cost hundreds or even thousands of pounds to set up a new website from scratch.

“However, our system would mean that businesses know which web designers they can trust, meaning a better service and experience for the business owner, which in turn provides the web developer with a higher reputation.

“And in the unlikely event of anything going wrong, everything would be backed up so downtime would be kept to a minimum.”

Fellow director Saheed Rashid said: “The FMDC can also act as a tender system for developers ensuring that any business looking for a quality development company will be safe in the knowledge that all companies who respond will be of a high quality.

“The tendering system remains anonymous until the business has decided which development and media companies it wishes to talk with”.

The FMDC will host its official launch event at the Riverside Stadium, Middlesbrough on June 30.

:: Details and tickets on www.eventbrite.com/event/703126069