J6 Business Breakfast: Why All Internet-Based Businesses Need to Keep a Watchful Eye on Google

Monday, 14th May 2012

Slough Chamber of Commerce latest J6 Business Breakfast takes place between 07.30-09.30 at the Copthorne Hotel, Slough-Windsor on Friday May 25 2012.

Google’s overwhelming global dominance of horizontal search, with a 90% share of the UK search market and 85% globally, means that most websites have an unavoidable reliance on Google. A selection of companies, including Microsoft and Foundem, have submitted complaints to the European Commission in relation to Google’s increasing global dominance and alleged practice of favouring its own services in its search results. These complaints contend that Google is manipulating search results for greater market strength.

This event will:

• Explain and question the implications of Google’s current dominance.
• Highlight the importance of a fair and level playing field.
• Explain Foundem’s European Antitrust Complaint and the subsequent investigations now under way in Europe and other parts of the world.

Speakers are Shivaun Raff, CEO & Co-Founder of Foundem, a Bracknell based search technology company and the original complainant to the European Commission. Shivaun will explain the potential impact on her business and other SME’s of Google’s policies and the European Investigation; and Chris Parker, Director, Law and Corporate Affairs, Microsoft who will clarify the implications and what this could mean to others in different industries if Google decides to enter new sectors.

Following the event, Slough Chamber will be hosting its popular Networking Masterclass. Full details of both sessions can be found at www.thamesvalleychamber.co.uk/events