Research undertaken for the European Commission indicates that traditional businesses which have a meaningful online presence grow twice as fast, export twice as much and employ twice as many people.
With less than 1 in 4 small Irish businesses trading online, businesses in the North East show that they are committed to developing their online presence, with their third annual conference “Retail is e-Tail” being held on Thursday 16th April 2015. The event, organised by Monaghan IT Forum, will be addressed by high profile professionals in the eCommerce sector and takes place in the Iontas Centre, Castleblyney, Co. Monaghan.
It is aimed at retailers, small business owners and managers, CEOs, CFOs, web managers, Marketing Directors and anyone involved in business who wants to maximise their online potential.
High calibre speakers at the conference taking place in the North East will give advice on how companies can develop their online presence and maximise online sales. Sarah McGuinness, Agency Strategist with Google will talk on, ‘How to use Google for your business on a local level.’ Her colleague, Anton McMenamin, Account Manager with Google will present on, ‘How to use Google to take your Monaghan business international.’
Paul Bond, Brixworkwear, will also chair a panel of local champions of eCommerce who will share their experiences of getting online and the benefits to their business. This panel is made up of Blanaid Johnson, Cloud 10 Beauty, Michael Treanor, Mullan Lighting Design & Manufacture and Pascal Fitzpatrick, Soccer Tours. Finally, Michael Hughes, a renowned eBay and Amazon training specialist will discuss how these platforms can be used to maximise your sales potential.
Briege Quinn, Local Enterprise Office, Monaghan said: “We recognise that eCommerce is an extremely fast growing area and we are delighted to be part of this initiative to raise awareness among the hundreds of SMEs who have already registered because they want to tap into the enormous potential. In line with the Action Plan for Jobs we are open for applications for the new Trading Online Voucher Scheme. Reaction has proven extremely positive and demand from small local businesses to participate has been high. The scheme is allowing us to engage with a wider range of companies than ever before. Trading online is not only a big opportunity for small businesses; it is more and more becoming an essential part of business strategy. With a little help and some financial support we can ensure that these businesses benefit as a result.”
Claire Cunningham of Monaghan IT Forum and Director of Aura Internet, also speaking at the April 16th conference commented that, an estimated €6bn is spent online by Irish consumers, of which 60-70% goes overseas and although it is recognised that in a small open economy like Ireland there will naturally be importation it indicated that the internet will continue to be a central part of consumers buying behaviour into the future. She further stated that it is imperative that we find ways to support Irish business redressing this imbalance, and that the launch last year of the trading online voucher scheme, which provides enables businesses to apply for grants of up to €2500 will help some businesses make that transition to online retailing.
The conference takes place on Thursday 16th April 2015 in the Iontas Centre, Castleblayney, from 4pm to 7.15pm. Places are free and booking up fast. To register or for more information, contact www.localenterprise/monaghan or telephone (047) 71818.
This is a free event and you can book online at https://eventbrite.ie/event/16294062981/
