An app created by tech firm Roam NI and aimed at boosting footfall at every retail, hospitality and public venue in Northern Ireland is investing £600,000 in its Digital High Street initiative.
More than 1,000 businesses across NI have already signed up to the platform, the brainchild of Durham-based entrepreneur Andrew Bartlett. Mr Bartlett says there are now 180,000 users in Ireland and NI and a further 80,000 in the north east and north west of England.
“Overall, Roam, a pre-populated platform now promotes more than 70,000 independent businesses,” he says.
Roam NI is managed here by Belfast-based businesswoman Edel Scanlon who says she plans to double the numbers of participating businesses and organisations within the next year.
“With an initial investment of £300,000 and a further pledge of £300,000 over the next 24 months, Roam NI is shoring up its commitment to delivering a powerful online platform for local businesses,” says Ms Scanlon.
“Our multi-layered app is already amplifying the voices of 1,000 small businesses and helping them thrive in the digital landscape through increased footfall and spend.
“Our longer term goal is to build membership to include the 70,000 local businesses across NI and bring them closer to where the action is: the digital environment,” she says.
“Through the Digital High Street Initiative, Roam NI is not only investing in technology but also in the sustainability and growth of local businesses. By providing a platform for businesses to connect with their communities, engage customers, and drive growth.
“Roam NI aims to create a ripple effect that will not only sustain existing jobs but also create new opportunities for employment,” she says.
Northern Ireland entrepreneur Frank Shivers is a non-executive director of Roam NI.
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