The business website being launched by former Birmingham Post editor Marc Reeves has gone live today.

As reported on Thursday, Mr Reeves is taking charge of a new West Midlands edition of TheBusinessDesk.com, the web-only business news service set up by former Yorkshire Post business editor David Parkin in 2007.

The new site will compete with his former print title the Post which recently relaunched as a weekly business publication with all breaking news being handled online.

Mr Reeves will be accompanied in the new venture by one of his former Post colleagues, former deputy business editor Duncan Tift.

Marc Reeves, right, pictured with Business.Desk.com colleagues Duncan Tift, left, and group managing director David Parkin, centre.

Marc told HTFP: “I knew when David Parkin launched TheBusinessDesk.com more than two years ago that it was precisely the kind of endeavour that could show the way for the media businesses of the future.

“It’s as far from a one-man-band, back-bedroom blog as you can get. We’re employing professional journalists, we’ve serious investment backing, and we’re offering a professional service to advertisers. The key is we’re doing it as a 100pc new media company.”

Writing on the newly-launched website this morning, Marc adds: “TheBusinessDesk.com is a fast-growing online business which has enjoyed phenomenal success in Yorkshire and the North West, building up a following of more than 30,000 registered users.

“As traditional media has struggled to remain viable, this concept which provides up-to-the-minute, informed regional business news free and direct to the user, is proving extremely popular with professionals and entrepreneurs alike.

“Having spent more than 25 years in newspapers, this is an exciting new venture for me which fits perfectly with my interest in online journalism and social media networks.

“I believe TheBusinessDesk.com will fill a real need here for daily regional business news delivered in a clear and easily accessible format.”

David Parkin added: “One of the secrets of our success is bringing on board the very best regional journalists with the experience, real understanding and contacts to work closely with the business community.

“As one of the best known and most respected journalists in the West Midlands, Marc will play a key part in helping us to replicate the success we have enjoyed elsewhere, helping us to provide a much-needed daily source of trusted business news.”

TheBusinessDesk.com has been a digital success story which now employs five journalists and boasts 28,000 subscribers. Its business model is based on selling display advertising and organising events.

The new site is marketing itself as a free online business news service, with breaking news delivered direct to desktops or mobile phones.