The idea to form a trade association was first put to the Accredited Suppliers of the Catalyst Project in July 2006 and warmly received. In August 2006 a steering group was formed with representatives from 8 of the Accredited Suppliers and work began on a business plan.

The official launch date was June 12th 2007.

The membership eligibility criteria, Code of Conduct and Rules and Regulations will identify the trade association as a quality organization. Its primary aim will be to establish the company and its logo as a ‘kite mark’ for quality in this sector. This will offer comfort to businesses wanting to invest in web-based technologies.

The trade association has been registered as a not for profit company, limited by guarantee with the name West E-Business Group Limited. It will trade as the Web Group.

The company has 5 directors:

• Charlie Bray - Connect Glos
• Roger Nuttall - County Business Net
• Simon Musgrove-Wethey - 310k Internet Solutions
• Rom Ryndziewicz - ELOQUEX
• Andrew Allen - Webbenefit

The Chief Executive and Company Secretary is:

• Dave Mullins

The steering committee consists of the people named above plus:

• Joe Hirst - Swimming Hippo
• Jon Ellard - Urban Element
• Angela de Gandy - GLOSCAT

General Administration work will be carried out by Chargrove Business Services , based at Chargrove House