03 February 2006

The Government Economic Service (GES) has recently launched an extranet for its professional community of economists.

With over 900 economists working in some 30 government departments and agencies, the GES required a new extranet that would promote and support more integrated and cost effective working amongst its members.

Chosen because of its vast experience in this field, Connect Internet Solutions was commissioned to develop a bespoke content-managed solution that would enable the new site to be up-dated quickly and easily by GES staff. The end result was an extranet that enhances communications by enabling members to keep up-to-date with policy improvements, to share information and best practice and find information on career development and training opportunities.

With GES members based in dispersed locations (London, Cardiff, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Leeds, Sheffield and Birmingham) the extranet was an essential tool in joining up this professional community. Sue Holloway, Economics in Government Team Leader with the Government Economic Service, comments, “As our members are so widespread geographically, it is imperative that the extranet enables effective communications and keeps members up-to-date with developments.

“Connect delivered a highly successful solution, on time and to budget, that effectively meets all our needs. The site is well-used and recognised by our members as an extremely valuable service.”

Whether members want to access management information, enrol for training and development courses, check out the latest job vacancies or register for events – everything can now be accessed in one centralised place.

Phil Dolby, Project Manager of Connect Internet Solutions, comments, “Our highly committed in-house designers and web development team have created a site that is both scaleable and easy for non-technical staff to maintain. We are delighted to see it in action!”