While COVID-19 has caused massive upheaval to the global economy and job markets, it has also led to an upward trend in the number of people looking to start new ventures and businesses adapting their offerings.
As Thomas Johnson, a professor in the Truman School of Public Affairs puts it, “From economic stress, great ideas are born. Many large, profitable businesses have been created due to entrepreneurship during economic downturns”.
Here are some examples of Irish businesses that have stood out and adapted during the pandemic, from innovative services for the vulnerable in society to outstanding use of technology:
An Post
Working with the charity ALONE An Post will call into older and vulnerable customers along their delivery route, particularly those who are living alone in isolated areas.
Bank of Ireland
Bank of Ireland have launched a new service to help elderly customers cocooning during the COVID-19 pandemic. Customers who are already self-isolating can nominate another person to make in-branch cash withdrawals and lodgements on their behalf.
Listoke Distillery
The craft distillery and gin school in Co Louth has paused gin production to produce alcohol-based hand sanitiser that it is supplying free to charities and to front-line services such as Dublin Fire Brigade. It is also selling limited quantities to the public at cost price.
Skmmp
Skmmp is an online virtual showroom that centralises wholesale order management and it is now being approached by big Italian brands such as Tod’s. Bottega Veneta is seeking its help to digitise their collections to weather the crisis, allowing them to carry on trading without physical showrooms.
Netgigs
This company is run by Irishman Joe Ward. It’s an online live music streaming service that allows artists / entertainers to stream their live performances from their home to their fans worldwide on a pay-per-view platform that returns royalties back to the artists.
There will always be a place for great ideas that add value to people’s lives and the ability to get your offering online quickly will create demand for brands and services that can help drive success for the future.
If you would like a more in depth analysis of these points or we can help with your advertising needs please contact us on hello@urbanmedia.ie.
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Source: Enterprise Ireland, Thinkbusiness.ie
