As part of the Think BIG - Think ICT initiative, workshops and seminars are taking place across the area to help employers and start-up companies build computer skills. Partly financed by the European Union’s Regional Competitiveness Programme, the latest event was hosted by delivery partner Coleraine Borough Council.

Particular focus was placed on selling online, as Ryan O’Connor, Business Development Manager for IEB Software, based in Derry’s Waterside, provided know how on boosting sales through on-line stores, which will carry much of the trade in the future.

The seminar also provided information on how on-line payment systems work, uploading products to websites and reaching more customers. The importance of strategic marketing was also stressed, with the aim of driving people towards company websites.

The scheme runs until October and a handful of places are still available by contacting Business in the Community on (028) 7186 1550 or e-mailing damien.kearney@bitcni.org.uk.