"The barter trade economy is the fastest growing economy in the world today." This statement from Wayne Sharpe, founder and CEO of Bartercard, reflects the excitement currently being generated at the company which, having been established for 13 years, is leading a market revolution in the barter sector. "Bartercard is the most dynamic global business today in a major growth industry."

Having developed and refined a simple, modern version of the age-old concept of bartering, Bartercard enables small and medium businesses to gain new customers and save on their cash outlay for goods and services. Using modern business methods, including a world class trading and e-commerce system, the Bartercard programme allows members to sell almost any product or service for 'Trade Dollars' (valued at the local currency, e.g. pounds or euros). These Trade Dollars are deposited in the member's Bartercard account, and can then be redeemed through spending on the goods and services of other members. This cashless trading allows members to obtain an interest-free line of credit, capitalise upon their unused production capacity and offset cash costs, contributing to their expansion and bottom line.

"Since inception, Bartercard has experienced phenomenal growth in membership and trade turnover," reports Sharpe. "The Bartercard system generates a staggering T$1 billion in trade every year with trade volume increasing by 20% per annum. Membership currently stands at around 55,000 businesses actively participating and profiting in the exchange, and is growing worldwide with over 10,000 new members joining last yer. This concept has become a business phenomenon in every market it enters."

Originating in Australia, Bartercard has established master franchise operations in New Zealand, the US, the UK, Russia, Thailand, Hong Kong, Sri Lanka, Malaysia, Lebanon, Jordan, the UAE, Egypt, Kuwait and Cyprus, with over 150 directly supported and sub-franchised offices globally. "The benefit from our international network - as well as establishing our global-strength brand - is that members can transact locally or internationally."

To keep the detailed transaction and account records that the system needs to run smoothly, Bartercard developed an infrastructure very similar to that of a bank. As members use their cards to pay for goods from other members, Bartercard needs a system of authorisations and processes just as secure as any major credit card. The advent of the internet provided Bartercard with an unlimited range of applications for its trading programme, and the company has embraced this technology to keep it in a leading position. New developments include an online e-marketplace, e-commerce live auction room, online global directory of members and IVR and swipecard facilities. "Our introduction of the swipecard was a world first for a non-bank institution," reflects Sharpe. "It provides a fast and convenient way to purchase goods and services, while also reducing the paperwork substantially."

Bartercard develops and oversees all accounting administration, intellectual software and systems, as well as providing training and strategic support to master franchisees, whose role is to develop national networks of members sub-franchised offices. "We offer a 'turn key' system, including information technology (both hardware and software), training, documentation, operational manuals and ongoing support," Sharpe reveals. "Our expanding global presence and branding offers more trading opportunities and exceptional earning potential. Sub-franchisees focus upon securing new members and assisting existing members in increasing their business turnover and maximising their opportunities within the trading programme.

By investing in the sole and exclusive rights to operate the Bartercard trading programme in a designated geographical area, franchisees generate revenue from new membership fees, membership transaction fees, monthly administration fees, internet marketing and trading commission plus the capital growth of their businesses. Further worldwide expansion is targeted, Sharpe reports, "predominantly in Europe as we see this massive market as boasting more potential due to its size and density. We are fostering our current strong hold in the Middle East and Asia, and entry into Africa is also on the cards. Bartercard is trademarked in over 60 countries, signalling our ambitions to develop a truly global network of offices."