E-businesses crucial to growth of local economy

Helping small companies get connected to the Internet and developing e-business capability is of vital importance to the local economy, the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Investment, Sir Reg Empey has said.

Speaking at the launch of the 'Enterprise Northern Ireland e-commerce' project in Lurgan on Wednesday April 17, Sir Reg said: “Small businesses are the lynchpin of the local economy, contributing considerable wealth and numbers of jobs, and it is important to ensure they are connected and have access to good support services.

“This is particularly important for tenant businesses within Enterprise Agencies across Northern Ireland and they can benefit greatly through e-commerce projects, such as this one, which has embedded the use of information and communication technologies in 30 local enterprise agencies.

“I am pleased that the Information Age Initiative, along with LEDU (now Invest Northern Ireland) and the International Fund for Ireland were able to support this project which is an important element in meeting the challenges and opportunities of the information age," he said.

Ann McGregor, Chief Executive of Enterprise Northern Ireland, said: “The Enterprise NI Project was a major investment project. However, I believe that it was worthy of the support as it addresses many issues affecting small and micro businesses in Northern Ireland, which make an important contribution to the local economy, and recognises the capability that exists in the network.

“Enterprise NI were delighted to manage this initiative, as access to new technology will enable tenant businesses to reduce cost, increase market reach and improve customer service.”

In 1999, only 40 per cent of Northern Ireland businesses were connected, the lowest level in the UK. Since then now 90 per cent of companies and organisations have access to the Internet and online technologies.

Sir Reg Empey added: “This e-commerce project has already achieved a great deal, with over 1,500 small companies setting up email accounts and 350 tenant businesses receiving training on the use of email and the Internet. I am confident that Enterprise Northern Ireland will build upon these successes, and I can assure you that my Department will continue to work to support enterprise and innovation throughout Northern Ireland.” (AMcE)