THE first UK steel stockholding website which enables businesses to select and buy steel online, has been launched by Canterbury-based John Parker and Son.

By logging on to www.parkersteel.co.uk, purchasers can view, select and order steel 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

They can order standard stock, in any quality, from a single bar measuring three metres by three millimetres up to several tonnes.

Providing the order is made before 6pm, Parker guarantees next day delivery anywhere in the south of England, east Midlands and East Anglia.

The buying process is completed within 10 mouse clicks from start to finish and purchasers can pay online by credit card or on account, if they are existing customers.

Parkers has developed the website to meet the needs of small and medium-sized businesses which buy small quantities of steel on an infrequent basis. Estimators looking to compare steel prices will also find the site a fast and easy way to access information.

Managing director Guy Parker said: "Our core business is steel stockholding and processing, so this new website is a logical development for us, following the success of our Parker Tools site launched last year."

The website was designed in-house by members of Parker's IT team. Ease of navigation, simple screen layout and minimum number of clicks from entry to completion were the main design priorities.

Shotblasting and painting can also be ordered online. A cutting service will be available later this year and Parker plans to add a design facility in due course so that companies can enter their own designs for processing.

Guy Parker said: "It places us firmly at the forefront of the UK steel stockholding industry. Buying steel online is now as easy as buying a book".