Advertising on UK government web sites is a potential source of income that has yet to be explored by either the authorities who run the sites or the companies who could be marketing their products. Government hasn’t twigged yet, said Douglas Forbes, managing director of UK-based Barony Consulting Ltd, speaking at a seminar in London on electronic government. Schools which have internet access could offer advertising to help fund the schemes, suggested Forbes. He pointed to the rapidly expanding market, saying almost every education authority has tendered or is putting one [a web site] in. Forbes argued that the school web sites could feature targeted advertising, suggesting that US hamburger chain McDonalds might offer an online discount for food purchases. Other government sites could use selected advertising campaigns. Forbes said that the Treasury web site has featured the names of law firms such as Berwin Leighton solicitors, although the site has since been redesigned.
