Charles Darwin put it this way: “It is not the strongest of the species that survives, not the most intelligent that survives. It is the one that is most adaptable to change.”

And if ever there was a time when businesses have had to adapt it’s 2020. The coronavirus pandemic has forced shops, cafes, pubs, restaurants, theatres and businesses across the nation to close. And those that have managed to reopen are faced with a litany of red tape and strict guidelines making life a lot more difficult for shoppers and staff alike.

So, it’s no wonder that a record number of businesses are turning their attention to e-commerce. More and more companies are realising the benefits that come with shifting the focus away from a bricks and mortar business in favour of an online presence that no amount of lockdowns or restrictions will be able to stifle.

Experts predict that by the end of this year department store sales will have declined by 60 per cent while e-commerce businesses will have grown by at least 20 per cent in the UK. Next year that figure is likely to soar again. Sam Hellen, Regional Outside Sales Director for LOCALiQ- which is part of the Newsquest Media Group- believes there’s no going back now.

Sam said: “The pandemic has reshaped our world- especially the business and consumer world.  More consumers have begun shopping online in greater numbers and frequency.  That’s not going to change now. So to put it bluntly, if you’re not actively marketing your businesses online you are going to miss out.”

LOCALiQ can help by providing businesses with an e-commerce package that can start from as little as £2,500. Packages go way beyond just listing your products and services but provide firms with their own unique website where customers can seamlessly shop without leaving their homes. In addition, the e-commerce package includes digital branding and social media and content marketing. In essence- everything you need to begin selling to customers online.

Sam added: “We have the expertise and the passion to really help our local businesses. We want to do everything we can to support them in these unprecedented times. Each business we help will have their own online platform built specifically for them to reach their target audience. It’s very personal- and websites can be up and running within a small number weeks.”

“We all need to think smarter and above all adapt in this ever-changing economic climate- and we are here to help, every step of the way.”

For more details about getting a LOCALiQ e-commerce package for your business email Samantha.hellen@localiq.co.uk  or call  01206 508215.