If you have an innovative solution for retail technology, Enterprise Ireland’s “Retailer Ready Programme” could be right for you.
Despite the doom and gloom, there is opportunity for Irish companies in the UK retail market, which is set to grow to £300.7bn in 2013. Shoppers are increasingly looking online ahead of traditional high street stores, with the online market estimated to have reached a value of £77bn in 2012. This will grow to reach 11% of total retail spend over 2013.
Customers are expecting retailers to go the extra mile to meet their demands of a hassle free, flexible shopping experience.
Where does opportunity lie for suppliers?
mCommerce: Shopping & paying for goods via mobile device. Retailers are encouraging shoppers to embrace mobile through instore wi-fi and offering mobile payment options.
In-store technology: Increase of investment in in-store technology (for customers and staff) will evolve from trials to full store roll out.
Couch commerce: The boom of tablets and smart TV’s opens up further opportunities and market segments to online shoppingin the home. IMRG estimates that 80% of smartphone and tablet owners use their devices while watching TV so investing in tablet optimised sites is essential for retailers.
Supply Chain Infrastructure: Delivery is a key differentiator for retailers. Customers can avail of click & collect/reserve and same/next day delivery. As cross border growth is a key online strategy, retailers are also expanding shipping options and localising transactional websites.
The Retailer Ready Programme
Although the UK retail market is one of the most vibrant in the world and offers great opportunity to Irish retail technology companies, it is also one of the most competitive markets. The Retailer Ready Programme was designed by the New Market Entrants Team in Enterprise Ireland’s UK office to provide support for Irish retail technology suppliers to ensure they are as prepared as possible in advance of tackling the highly competitive UK retail sector. The New Market Entrants Team works with Irish companies that are new to exporting and has experience in guiding companies in their early stages to ensure a sustainable strategy as they enter the UK market.
According to Allyson Stephen, who leads the Programme; “The UK multichannel scene offers opportunity for Irish suppliers despite the competition; we want to give Enterprise Ireland companies who have an innovative offer the best chance of success”.
The Programme was run in 2012 for the first time, with six Enterprise Ireland client companies (Actus Mobile Solutions, Worldnet TPS, Von Bismark, Touchpoint Interactive Media, Newsletter.ie and Zapa Technology) receiving expert mentoring and support from a Retail Panel that included representatives from the Dune Group, TK Maxx and global provider of multi-channel commerce solutions Venda.
Participants of the Retailer Ready Programme 2012
The Group Creative Director of Venda was impressed with the Programme:
“The Retailer Ready Programme provides unprecedented opportunities for Irish companies to gain a true insight into the current retail and technology trends within the mainland UK. Individuals and companies gain in knowledge of confidence as the sessions progress, the summit of which is a 1 day event providing a platform to engage, interactive, quiz, prod, poke and present to some of the most seasoned eCommerce professionals in the business – you shouldn’t miss this opportunity!”
Get in touch!
The Retailer Ready Programme offers participants unique insights, selling skills and access to this market place.
We are looking for participants for the second round of the Programme, due to begin in February 2013. Please note that places are limited to Enterprise Ireland clients only and strict criteria apply.
For more information, contact Aislinn Mahon: Aislinn.mahon@enterprise-ireland.com.
