Emerald has formed a new link-up with Bradford's bmedi@ organisation.

The Toller Lane firm, which was founded by a group of academics in the city in 1967, specialises in resources for management research.

The firm has announced that it is to allow bmedi@ members use of its on-line databases for free.

bmedi@, the Bradford-based voluntary partnership of new media businesses, people and organisations, aims to 'enhance the perception and credibility of Bradford as an area of high achievement in new media development'.

The group aims to put the message across that Bradford is one of the country's leading new media areas.

The group, which currently has more than 100 active members, launched in July 2001 to support and promote the burgeoning new media sector in the Bradford district.

To help the group develop business and investment in the city, Emerald has decided to allow bmedi@ members free on-line access to its fulltext database of management and information science articles.

The firm hopes the database, which would normally cost £25,000 per year, will help companies manage their businesses and run their departments better.

Articles on the database range from strategy and personal development to marketing and internet research.

Kathryn Toledano, head of business development at Emerald, said: "I've been inspired by the enthusiasm and motivation of the people who have created bmedi@.

"They're young and entrepreneurial - a good role model for Bradford.

"Emerald content is provided freely to members and will hopefully help them build business knowledge."

Emerald recently won an award for its outstanding corporate excellence at an international level from the International Real Estate Society.

And earlier this year Emerald managing director Dr Keith Howard announced that employees would receive bonuses averaging £25,000 with dividends from a £4 million trust fund.

For further information on bmedi@, visit www.bmedia.org.uk.