Mayo businesses offering click and collect can remain open

MAYO TD Alan Dillon is urging local businesses to introduce a click and collect system using the Trading Online Voucher Scheme following government confirmation that such businesses can continue to trade under Level 5 restrictions.

As part of the restrictions, businesses can continue to trade if they operate an online or other remote system of ordering goods for purposes of collection at the retail outlet, he explained.

Deputy Dillon commented: “This is a very important time of the year for small businesses as the festive season approaches and this could be the lifeline that many of those businesses need. Now is the time to get businesses online or to introduce a click and collect service.

“I urge people to shop local, support the small businesses in your town and help them survive what has already been a very difficult year for retailers.”

The trading online voucher offers financial assistance in the form of a 90% grant of up to €2,500, along with training and advice to help businesses to drive online sales.

In addition, businesses who previously received support under the scheme can now apply for a second voucher, where upgrades are required – such as adding a click and collect service to a website.

Details of the Trading Online Voucher Scheme, as well as other supports for businesses, are available from the Local Enterprise Office.