TD urges online trade

PETER Fitzpatrick has said that more small businesses in Louth should avail of the Government’s scheme to help them trade online, and has encouraged them to contact the Local Enterprise Office.

‘ The trading online voucher scheme allows small businesses to apply for a voucher to invest in developing their e-commerce capability. The aim of the scheme is to get more small businesses trading online, the benefit of which is undeniable,’ the Louth TD continued.

‘Eighty-eight percent of Irish consumers research products online before buying, compared to 79% across the EU, with Irish consumers spending €850,000 per hour online.

‘ There has been huge growth in Ireland’s digital economy, which is now worth €12.3bn. The digital economy is expected to expand to about €21.4 billion or 7.9% of GDP by 2020.

The Trading Online Enterprise Impacts Report shows that small businesses which trade online see immediate positive results.

The report is based on survey responses from 600 small businesses that have availed of the Government’s Trading Online Voucher Scheme and shows that the scheme is highly successful in helping small businesses to grow and expand.

The survey results show that: 21% was the average increase in sales, 84% experienced an increase in customer enquiries, 73% said that the new online business was additional and did not displace existing sales, growing businesses expect to recruit on average 1.4 more employees, 3 out of 5 businesses begin to export, and 89% said that the trading online component of their business will become more important in the next six months.