Business Browser will provide IFA members of the Gateway Consortium with access to information on companies, executives and industries to improve the cost effectiveness of their sales and marketing activities: and swiftly grow their businesses.

Formed in 2003, Gateway brings together commercially oriented IFA firms into an exclusive club to provide access to technology, training, marketing support, and networking opportunities that would be otherwise be huge financial or resource constraints on the business. Such a pool of resources reduces cost and risk for member companies and increases business opportunities.

OneSource Business Browser will be accessed via the Internet. Each of the 40 member firms in the consortium will be able to use the information in Business Browser to identify companies and individuals that are likely prospects as well as to keep up to date with existing clients.

"Our members will be able to quickly identify high net worth prospects using Business Browser's information on directors and shareholders," said Clive Holmes, Chairman at The Gateway Consortium. "To create a prospect list that is specific to the ideal target customer, is invaluable. It will help each firm improve lead generation and reduce business risk too, since they can more easily verify the financial situation of their prospects."

He continued, "Previously finding this information would have been a labour intensive and costly exercise for our members. They would have had to seek detailed financial information from a number of sources including filed reports and accounts from Companies House. Using OneSource Business Browser they can access more up to date data from a single source in seconds. Our members have revenues of around five times the industry average for an IFA – accurate information as a basis for sounds sales and marketing practice is a key part of this."

"Technology and information are key drivers in the delivery of financial services to businesses. Gateway is all about helping members to compete with the banks and other national firms by providing high quality services while maintaining competitive margins. OneSource Business Browser is a key component of our internet portal and a valuable resource for members," concluded Clive Holmes.

"Independent Financial Advisors, like any other company, want to improve the way they prospect and then service existing customers in order to increase revenues," said Paul Brown, VP of Sales for Europe and Asia Pacific at OneSource Information Services. "To do this requires access to the most up-to-date information on their clients and prospects."

OneSource Business Browswer provides: company and executive profiles, research reports, industry intelligence, financial data and the latest news from national, trade and business press.

Gateway plans to use the OneSource's AppLink Development Toolkit in the future to integrate Business Browser into the Gateway portal.