A Hertfordshire-based solicitor who set up a Web site aimed at combating bullying in the workplace has reported thousands of hits in the first three weeks of the enterprise.

Justin Patten, sole principal at Human Law, established the site after his research revealed that Internet search engines such as Google produce more success for businesses if their sites focus on issues rather than the company name. The site is aimed at giving practical advice and a discussion forum to lawyers, managers and victims of workplace bullying. It uses the Google Ad Sense technology, which enables users to click on relevant advertisements that Google Software detects according to relevancy of subject matter.


Mr Patten says more than 2,500 people have visited the site in the last month. He advised other firms to consider putting an emphasis on the topic rather than using their site as a marketing tool. 'Law firm Web sites often have good content but are too focused on promoting their firm rather than a particular issue,' he said. 'If they focus more on the issue per se, people are more likely to be drawn to the site.'


Access to all areas on the site is currently free, although Mr Patten said he may consider charging for some specialist services in the future.


Mr Patten is planning a series of seminars on workplace bullying later this year, with CPD points attached. He is also looking into the possibility of providing CPD points on-line, through the site.


Links: www.workplacebullying.net