A former Yorkshire Post business editor has launched a new website focusing on the county's industry and commerce.

David Parkin, who also worked for the Western Mail and Derby Evening Telegraph, has created TheBusinessDesk.com.

It is aimed at the business community across Yorkshire and features interviews, events, news and information.

With the tagline "tomorrow's news today", registered users have free access to the latest business headlines including corporate finance deals, company results and announcements, commercial property deals and key appointments.

It will also offer interviews with key business figures in Yorkshire, lifestyle and property features and hard-hitting comment on regional business issues.

David said: "The one thing everyone in Yorkshire business has in common is a busy schedule and limited time.

"Alongside this is a need to be kept up-to-date about what is happening in business in the region and we felt there was a gap in the market for a service that provided trusted business information in an accessible format quickly, clearly and free."

The company, based in Leeds, employs six staff including business journalists and media assistants, and is backed by Yorkshire Bank and other private investors.

Users can choose to receive daily e-mail or text alerts direct to their desktop and the service is fully compatible with mobile phone, PDA devices and BlackBerry.

David and his team