27th March 2015: SME’s (Small and medium enterprises) in the Midwest heard of the cost of not embracing cloud technology at a networking breakfast hosted by cloud telecoms provider Magnet and Limerick Chamber in the Castletroy Park Hotel this week. SME’s were also urged to become more active in availing of Government supports.
While warning that firms outside Dublin were losing competitiveness by their delay in availing of cloud technology, Magnet CEO Mark Kellett noted positively that 33% of SME’s in the Mid-West intend investing in their IT infrastructure this year. However he pointed out that 90% of SME’s were still using a conventional phone system, which according to Amarach Research could be costing small business in Ireland over €266million per year, much of could be taken out of sectors cost base. 30% of SME’s in the midwest region say they have implemented a cloud solution of some kind for their business – higher than most regions but well behind Dublin.
Armed with the results of the inaugural Magnet Regional Business Barometer, a nationwide study of over 600 SMEs by Amarach Research, Kellett reported that SME’s in Limerick and the Mid-West are more optimistic about the future than others, and 1 in 11 plan to open a new premises this year. However, 22% firms in the Mid-West area do not know who their local public representatives are. 18% are aware of the technology and business grants available, such as the Enterprise Ireland voucher and the Government’s Online Trading Voucher. “Our research shows that 90% of SME’s generally are unaware of the Online Trading Voucher Scheme as a support to engaging in e-commerce,” says Mark Kellett, CEO of Magnet. “We hope our own Office-In-A-Box package encourages more firms to take advantage of it and improve their competitiveness in the process.”
Magnet’s Office-in-a-Box solution for SMEs provides unlimited broadband; hosting; web domain, phone calls and even a promotional video from €149.99 per month. Used in conjunction with the Online Trading Voucher through Local Enterprise Offices, eligible SME’s can reduce this cost to just €75.
Dr. James Ring, CEO of Limerick Chamber commented: “It is fantastic to hear that SME’s in the Midwest are more positive about the future than any other region. We would like to thank Magnet for sponsoring this breakfast and for engaging with Amárach to do the research.”
ENDS
Limerick Chamber is the leading business organisation in the Midwest region supporting and representing the interests of over 450 businesses. It is an affiliate of Chambers Ireland – Ireland’s largest business network creating the best environment for members locally, regionally and nationally.
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