eCommerce seen as key strategy in Ireland’s path to economic recovery
Over 200 Small businesses in Monaghan and the North East region are gearing up to take a slice of the multi-billion euro on-line sales market.
To help more companies in the county turn their business into an online business, a major free conference on the importance and relevance of eCommerce and online sales, “Retail is e-Tail” is being staged in Monaghan on Wednesday, 27th February.
An initiative of the Monaghan IT Forum, organisers include the Monaghan County Enterprise Board, Monaghan County Council and the Irish Internet Association. The conference is almost booked out, with well over 200 small business owners registered. Leading figures in the eCommerce sector will be sharing their expertise, including representatives from Paypal, Micksgarage.com and Screen Pages.
Research from Amárach* for UPC has revealed that the Irish internet economy is a key player in Ireland’s path to economic recovery – worth an estimated €11.3 billion in 2016 – with consumer spending online in Ireland that year projected at 5.7 billion. In 2012, this figure was in the region of 3.7 billion. Eight out of ten Irish adults use the internet, with shopping and social networks the most popular online activities and two thirds of homes have broadband.
Speakers with vast experience in eCommerce, such as Ciaran Crean and Vincent O’Brien from Micksgarage.com, Tom Day from Screen Pages, Paul Bond from Brix Workwear and Laura Morgan Walsh from PayPal, will explain the key benefits for businesses expanding online, with advice around developing eCommerce websites and possible pitfalls to avoid. Richard Curran, business journalist and broadcaster, is the master of ceremonies.
Briege Quinn, Acting Assistant CEO of Monaghan County Enterprise Board said: “The fact that well over 200 people are registered for this conference shows the growing significance of an online presence and sales to small businesses in the county. Through this IT initiative and along with other grant aid measures, we can help small business owners turn their company into an on-line business, developing their eCommerce potential.”
Claire Cunningham of Monaghan IT Forum and Director of Aura Internet is also speaking at the February 27th conference. She said: “More and more, businesses are realising the massive potential eCommerce offers them, especially in light of the huge part the internet plays in our daily lives and business. With such high calibre speakers involved in this event, their experience and advice will be invaluable”.
Retailers, small business owners, CEOs, Marketing Directors and other key business representatives will be among those attending the afternoon eCommerce conference in the Nuremore Hotel in Carrickmacross.
Further details, in addition to information around the supports available for eCommerce projects in the county, is available at www.mceb.ie or by telephoning (047) 71818.
