A STRETFORD businessman has launched a new website he believes can inject fresh life in to struggling high streets across the region.

Web developer Joseph Murray’s came up with exactli.com after setting out on a mission to help independent shops fight back against the rise of e- traders and reverse the harmful effects out of town shopping centres have had on many high streets.

The 51-year-old’s website, which is free to use, works by letting businesses upload their details, including information about their goods and services, offers and events, prices, opening hours, contact details – or anything else they feel relevant to customers.

Consumers can then access the database and search for particular businesses or shop types in a specific town or event street, but also allows them to narrow down their search at a micro level to find the shop or service they are seeking.

“It’s quite a sophisticated search tool for customers, and the way it’s set up allows businesses to add and change their details as often as they please, and tweet links to what’s effectively their own webpage as part of their marketing campaigns,” said Mr Murray at his premises on Talbot Road.

“The best thing, though, is that it’s free, and will give businesses a credible web presence able to put them in touch with existing and new customers. All retailers need a web site, and this is an easy way of getting one.

“I honestly believe this could make a huge difference to every high street business struggling to bring in footfall. My wish is for almost every independent retailer in Greater Manchester to have registered by Christmas. The businesses who sign up, the more customers will use it."

He added: “My message to all small firms out there - and not just retailers – is sign up and have a go. It’s free, easy to do, so what’s there to lose?”

Joseph has decided to roll out the project to high streets only in Cheshire and Greater Manchester at the moment, but if successful will roll-out nationally.

The scheme has been backed by the Federation of Small Businesses, whose development manager for the region, Robert Downes, said: “This is very much in step with our own Keep Trade Local campaign, and frankly any help for high streets is welcome. We’d urge all firms to take a look, businesses with a web presence frequently do better - that’s a fact.”