The Mid Ulster Digital First Programme is now in its second year of delivery and is designed to support 150 Mid Ulster businesses over a three year period. The recent pandemic has accelerated the need for businesses to adapt and grow through the use of digital platforms.
The programme delivers specialist support to micro and small businesses to grow sales, create new jobs and enhance their customer engagement by using digital platforms, including social media channels and e-marketing techniques. The project is part funded by Invest Northern Ireland and the European Regional Development Fund under the Investment for Growth and Jobs Northern Ireland (2014-2020) Programme and Mid Ulster District Council.
Chair of the Council, Councillor Paul McLean, emphasised the importance of the programme:
At a time when digital platforms have become a huge part of everyday life, and with local businesses adapting over the past year to operate online, it’s clear that there is an urgent need and demand for practical guidance on how businesses can maximise the online opportunities available. Through the Mid Ulster Digital First Programme businesses have a great opportunity to apply for one-to-one, free support to maximise their digital capacity and achieve a competitive advantage.
Style Boutique, Cookstown secured a place on the Programme in 2020. While established for 35 years specialising in ladies fashion occasion wear and casual wear, in recent years they recognised the need to adapt and implement digital activities to stay ahead of the competition. The business accessed support to enhance their website performance and build a sales funnel through the website to generate more leads.
Alice McAleer, Director of Style Boutique said:
“We have worked with Caeris on the Digital First Programme to help us improve the performance of our website and in particular our performance with online advertising. The results delivered have been amazing, we have increased our sales, reduced our overall ad spend and have created a new job in store to help us manage the delivery of all our new orders. I strongly recommend the programme to anyone who wants to grow their online sales.”
You can obtain a copy of the application form online or via email. Should you wish to obtain guidance on completing the application form please contact 42 Digital Ltd, by telephone 028 8224 8933.
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