Irish SMEs 'lagging behind' on the internet

Irish SMEs are lagging behind consumers' e-commerce expectations, according to the IE Domain Registry.

It is warning firms that they need to keep pace with digital trends or risk sending shoppers elsewhere.

The registry is saying that, with the digital marketplace said to be worth in excess of €8.8bn, the risk in remaining offline is considerable.

Retail Excellence Ireland estimates that consumers will spend €487bn across Europe in 2016.

The IE Domain Registry said that a significant number of Irish SMEs remain offline, often due to barriers like skills and time.

David Curtin, Chief Executive of IEDR, said: "A significant cohort of Irish SMEs remain offline with no intention of building a website in the near future.

"Many aren’t aware of how being online can drastically improve their business and others feel like they don’t have the skills to do it."