Business people

Facebook event seeks to boost SMEs

Trade
(Image: Stockfresh)

26 May 2017

More than 400 SMEs from Cork, Kerry, Tipperary, Galway and Dublin gathered today at the O’Callaghan warehouse on Custom House Quay, Cork for Facebook’s Boost Your Business event.

The event, in association with Cork Chamber aimed to provide SMBs with greater insight into the potential of the digital economy. Through workshop sessions and one-to-one mentoring, businesses benefitted from practical training on brand building in a mobile world, driving sales both online and in-store with Facebook and Instagram and best practice tips from fellow business owners.

Figures supported by European Commission research have shown that SMBs who actively engage with consumers on the internet have experienced sales growth rates that are up to 22 percentage points higher over three years than those companies in countries with low or no internet presence.

More than 2 million of Ireland’s 2.6 million Facebook users are connected to at least one Irish SMB and more than 55 million people from around the world are connected to a business in Ireland. With 84% of Irish users connected to a local business it shows the incredible appetite of people to support their local economy and community.

Three Irish businesses Huckleberry’s Doughnuts, Babyboo.ie and Wellnice Pops, shared their experiences on building a presence online, finding new ways to connect with customers and using the latest tools to grow the customer audience beyond Ireland.

Niamh Sweeney, head of public policy, Facebook Ireland said: ‘Small businesses are the backbone of the Irish economy and Facebook is proud to be in Cork today with so many of them who are using our platform to boost their online presence.

The digital economy still promises huge potential for Ireland, and today’s event is about helping businesses to capitalise on that opportunity by learning about the new tools and technologies that can help them grow.”

Barbara-Anne Richardson, director of member services, Cork Chamber, added: “Cork Chamber is delighted to be working in partnership with Facebook for today’s ‘Boost Your Business’ event looking at the myriad of ways that mobile technology and social media can grow businesses. What has been really interesting today is the blend of speakers from Minister Dara Murphy’s European overview through to the hands on workshops and case studies from local business who are really making these platforms work for them. At Cork Chamber we take a dual role as both users and advocates of social media where we have seen first-hand the power it can deliver, we continuously support businesses on their Digital Journey with training programmes, expert speakers and of course our Cork Digital Marketing Awards.”

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