Newsontheblock.com, a web service for those living in blocks of flats, is now recruiting agents to partner them in areas across the country.

The service, which is the brainchild of property management company, Solitaire Group, creates websites for blocks, which offer information about the local area, the block itself, and allow the residents to post information on virtual bulletin boards.  The residents are also given a passport-like booklet, which contains emergency local numbers, and discount tokens for restaurants and bars in the local area.

New on the block aims to link up with one agent in each area, who will have their branding on the booklet and will contribute to keeping the local information up to date.

The initiative is designed to raise the profile of the agent within the area and among the residents of the block.  The agent's name will form part of the web address.  There is also the opportunity for the agent to share in the revenue generated from advertising on the site.

Each agent who signs up to the initiative will incur between £1,000-£1,500 in the start-up costs, an amount which the founder Harvey Shulman maintains would be significantly less than advertising in the local press.  By the end of the year Shulman is aiming to have 12 agent partners on board.

The service has been piloted in West London and is due to be launched nationwide early in the New Year.  A franchise facility is also under negotiation in Australia.

Harvey Shulman, managing director, Solitaire Group, said: "News on the Block was piloted four months ago and we were overwhelmed by the response.  Over 80% of the residents used the facility and we also achieved good support from the local shops and services.  The key is that we provide the core elements and residents are able to mould their site to suite each block's individual requirements.

The Negotiator 4th May 2001