More small businesses in Louth should avail of the Government’s scheme to help them trade online – Fitzpatrick

Fine Gael TD for Louth, Peter Fitzpatrick, has said that more small businesses in Louth should avail of the Government’s scheme to help them trade online. A new survey has found that those who avail of the scheme experience a 21% increase in sales.

“The Trading Online Voucher Scheme allows small businesses to apply for a voucher to invest in developing their ecommerce capability. The aim of the scheme is to get more small businesses trading online, the benefit of which is undeniable.

“88% 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, which was published today, 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.

“This Government is committed to supporting a thriving digital economy and I’m calling on all small business in Louth to avail of the digital opportunities, I would encourage any small business owner who wants to begin their trading online journey to contact their Local Enterprise Office today and apply for a Trading Online Voucher.”