Local Businesses Meet to Embrace Digital Technology
December 9, 2015
The Northern Ireland Business and Innovation Centre (NORIBIC) and the Council recently joined forces to promote the benefits and capabilities of digital technology to business representatives from within the Council area.
As part of the European Commission effort to utilise information and communication technology they support the ‘Watify’ platform managed by NORIBIC. The Watify platform is currently being utilised in 11 European regions to transform businesses. Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council was very keen for its local businesses to hear more about how they can embrace digital technology to transform and grow their existing businesses.
Watify was created to take businesses through their first digital steps and has been designed to help those entering the digital business era to overcome any doubts they might have about their company’s digital future.
Alderman Allan Ewart, Chair of the Council’s Development Committee, speaking at the event, said: “The Watify platform allows local entrepreneurs and small to medium sized enterprises to identify opportunities for inspiration, practical advice and support to help them realise potential business growth and innovation opportunities through the use of digital technologies.
“Due to time constraints and pressures in daily business the Council appreciates that there may not be time for local businesses to take full advantage of digital technology and its offerings to promote growth through online sales, business networking , promotion etc. It is for this reason that the Council was delighted to partner with NORIBIC to bring this first hand expertise to its local companies and offer them the opportunity to question the experts,” concluded Alderman Ewart.
The Watify panel at the event was comprised of Roger Priestly, Digital Transformation Manager, SERC; Una Murphy, View Digital and Kyle Gawley, Get Invited.
Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council is an entrepreneurial and ambitious council, which endeavours to work in partnership with local businesses and communities. Following local government reform the Council has the power and ability to make a real difference in the local area, to make it stronger, more effective and flexible to local needs.
Pictured at the recent Watify event held in Lagan Valley are: (l-r) Kyle Gawley, CEO at Get Invited; Alderman Allan Ewart, Chairman of the Council's Development Committee; Clare McGee, NORIBIC; Roger Priestly, Digital Transformation Manager, SERC and Dr Barney Toal, NORIBIC.