ISME: Small firms need ICT strategy

THE Government needs to implement a specific strategy for information and communications technology (ICT) for small business or risk SMEs missing out on the benefits of its smart economy drive.

That is according to small firms lobby group ISME, which has conducted an ICT survey of its members that shows that only one-third of SMEs are actively using the internet to sell products and services.

“There is a real danger that the smart economy is passing us by and SMEs in Ireland are missing out as consumers — both domestic and foreign — purchase online from outside the state. The increase in the number of 50ft containers arriving into the country, full of online purchases, is evidence not to be ignored,” said ISME chief executive Mark Fielding.