Online jobs boost for Ireland – 71pc of small firms to create jobs after going online

1 Jul 2015

Miracle on the high street - small businesses in Ireland that go online can expect to create an average of 1.4 new jobs per company, new research reveals.

Small businesses in Ireland that go online can expect to create an average of 1.4 new jobs. With Irish people spending €700,000 online each hour, this is an opportunity that can’t be missed, Taoiseach Enda Kenny TD said today.

Kenny was speaking on the occasion of the issue of the 1,000th Trading Online Voucher, which went to John Lawton from JL Intelligent Cooling Systems in Kilkenny.

The Trading Online Voucher Scheme was launched by the Government last year. It offers small businesses a grant of up to €2,500 – subject to matching funding – as well as training, mentoring and networking support to help them develop their online trading capability.

“Small businesses are the backbone of every Irish town and village and, with consumers across Ireland now spending almost €700,000 online each hour, trading online is essential to create new jobs, new business, and new exports,” Kenny said.

“As a small, open economy, our SMEs need to compete in a global marketplace and the Trading Online Voucher is one way for them to get ahead,” Kenny said.

Online trading leads to an average 21pc boost in sales

Communications Minister Alex White TD said that small businesses in Ireland that move online experience a 21pc average sales increase, while 71pc of businesses surveyed expect to recruit new staff.

White said that out of a survey of 225 businesses that had received Trading Online Vouchers, 85pc saw an increase in customer enquiries, 40pc generated customer interest overseas, and 60pc said that all new business was additional and did not displace existing sales.

“The report shows that seven out of 10 firms supported by this scheme expect to take on new staff to cope with the online business they have generated,” White said.

“With the potential creation of an average of 1.4 new jobs per company – in businesses that employ 10 staff or less – trading online is making a tangible impact on jobs and economic activity in Ireland.

Interview with Dr Stephen Brennan, Chief Digital Advisor to the Irish Government (video)

Ennis image via Shutterstock

John Kennedy is a journalist who served as editor of Silicon Republic for 17 years

editorial@siliconrepublic.com