Businesses get help to replace lost customers with online trading

TWO Gaeltacht-based companies whose trade has been seriously impacted by the lack of tourists in West Kerry are to receive a major injection of expertise and training to develop their online shops in a bid to replace the customers who cannot visit the shops.

The grants from Enterprise Ireland come at a crucial time for Brian de Staic Teo and Lampaí an Daingin Teo, who in a normal summer season would attract tens of thousands of visitors to their shops.

“It could turn the year round for us. It will help us to increase the customers for our products online and replace lost visitors to the shop,” said Lasse Mulcahy of Lampaí an Daingin Teo, adding: “We appreciate the opportunity to understand and further develop our online trading.”

In this era of travel restrictions online trading will play an key role in the success of businesses in West Kerry. “We are delighted to have this opportunity,” said Mairead de Staic of Brian de Staic Teo. “We will learn more about our website and general online presence, its viewers and its customers. For example, we know now that people respond better to pictures with people in them... I am really looking forward to the challenge and learning more.”

The aim of the Enterpise Ireland grant is to provide the expertise to bring the pottery and jewellery shop’s online business to a further level through a combination of research, consultancy and staff training. Grants ranging from €16,000 to €40,000 are available to cover up to 80 per cent of the costs.

The grants scheme is available to retail businesses who employ more than 10 people and are already trading online. While this round of the scheme is closed it is hoped that new applications will be accepted in the coming weeks.