The Press and Journal (Inverness, Highlands, and Islands)
E-COMMERCE
Highland businesses and entrepreneurs are being offered the chance to take part in a free Amazon Academy online masterclass in Inverness this week.
The global retail giant, in partnership with Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE), is hosting its first e-commerce seminar in the Highland capital on October 31.
The session aims to show how the online marketplace can be fully harnessed.
Theresa Swayne, senior development manager for HIE, said: “Making the most of digitisation opens up a world of opportunity, and could be a huge benefit to the Scottish economy.
“The idea of companies entering international markets can seem daunting, but the Amazon Academy supports the ambitions of local entrepreneurs and shows how it can be done.”
Amazon published a report earlier this year which revealed that unlocking the digital potential of rural areas in Scotland could add between £1.2 billion and £2.5bn annually in Gross Value Added (GVA) to the economy, and at least £1.44bn in business turnover.
Karen Riddick, who runs soft furnishings business Second Nature Online, is among the entrepreneurs sharing their experience.
She said: “I first launched the business when I lived on Islay. I am well aware of the challenges faced by rural retailers but location does not need to be a barrier to success.”