23 March 2012

Local Businesses Hear About The Importance Of Online Selling

Invest Northern Ireland encouraged local companies to fully utilise online selling to increase exports, at a major eBusiness conference held this week at the Ramada Hotel, Shaw's Bridge.

Over 350 local companies discovered how to take advantage of new techniques to improve their online marketing and increase sales via the internet.

Leading web technology and service providers including Google, Facebook and Sage Pay provided businesses with an insight into how they can benefit from the opportunities available through new digital media channels. Companies also heard from local businesses that are successfully selling online.

Speaking at the event, Alastair Hamilton, Invest NI Chief Executive, said: "This eBusiness conference, which is part of our Boosting Business through Technology campaign, is an excellent opportunity for local businesses to hear from key speakers within the industry on how best to drive online sales to increase profitability and access new export markets.

"With the global marketplace becoming much easier to access due to the increased reach of the internet across the world, almost every market can be exploited by Northern Ireland businesses. In 2011 the total value of online sales in the UK alone was estimated at £68.2 billion. This is expected to double by 2020."

Mr Hamilton added: "To ensure global success, businesses in Northern Ireland need to plan their online trading strategies and exploit the potential of social media, search engine optimisation and ecommerce. This means keeping ahead of the competition when it comes to being aware of the full range of internet technologies and services available to help successfully deliver their strategy, stimulate growth and increase export sales."

To assist companies here to invest in technology, Invest Northern Ireland offers a range of advice and support as part of the Boosting Business through Technology campaign.

(CD)