It’s one of Drogheda’s most attractive shops and now The Crafty Fox fabric shop in Laurence Street has been chosen as one of ten businesses in the country to win a “You’re the Business” award which includes a suite of customised supports and €1,000 worth of Google ads.
You’re the Business – a partnership between Google, Enterprise Ireland and the Local Enterprise Offices – focuses on supporting Irish SMEs to upskill digitally and enhance their online capabilities
The Crafty Fox is an award-winning business selling fabric, crafts, and haberdashery supplies in Drogheda, offering a large selection of top-quality products, as well as industry-leading workshops and classes which are available to book online.
Crafty Fox owners, Peter and Jackie Jolliffe, will receive a customised suite of digital supports from Google, expert sector and industry-specific mentoring across a range of technical areas that will help the them to further develop their business.
Speaking at the announcement, Peter Jolliffe said: “Our local LEO mentor encouraged us to participate in the You’re The Business initiative as online was becoming a major part of our future growth plans.
“Opportunities like this, to secure expert mentoring and bespoke advice is invaluable. Online is a space that most SMEs need to be in and understand. However, there often isn’t the time or resources available to upskill oneself or employees.
“We’re hoping that the bespoke mentorship will help us make more sense of how our digital marketing strategy is performing, where we can improve things, and where we can make the biggest impact for our business.”
Research conducted by Google, developed in partnership with Amárach for the launch of You’re The Business last year found that almost half of SMEs believe they could more than double their turnover (40%) and profitability (45%) with an investment in digital skills.
But, the research also showed that more than one in every ten SMEs based in Ireland (11%) are not yet using digital technology in their business – almost half (45%) of SMEs do not have their own website.
Alice Mansergh, Director for Small Business at Google, said: “…Small businesses, like The Crafty Fox, are at the heart of towns and communities across Ireland. With over 90% of Irish consumers now active online, businesses of all shapes and sizes stand to gain by ensuring they have their ‘online shop window’ – their website, their online profile – working well.
At Google, we’ve been proud to partner with Enterprise Ireland and Local Enterprise Offices to bring help and support nationwide through ‘You’re The Business’. The program offers free trainings for all available on the You’re The Business website.
“My huge congratulations to The Crafty Fox: we’re excited to support Peter and Jackie’s business vision and next chapter of growth online.”
Richard Murphy, Enterprise Ireland said: The You’re the Business initiative has been a significant boost to SMEs across the country. Both Enterprise Ireland and the Local Enterprise Offices have been working closely with clients supporting their journey’s to get online and grow online and this will only help those companies further.
To the winners we wish continued success and we look forward to supporting them as they grow both here in Ireland and hopefully internationally in the years to come.”
For further information on the winners and the You’re The Business initiative, please visit: g.co/yourethebusiness
