This project entails creating a
website portal for the town of Boston with a view to promoting economic regeneration of local independent
traders by encouraging repeat trade with e-commerce. The basic concept is that the "Boston Portal" will be
linked to a retailer controlled Webtail site, which allows independent retailers to sell online easily. It should also
be possible to link into and promote tourism in the area with additional links into sites for accommodation and
attractions.
Recent statistics show that 48% of computer products are now purchased online and
with online retailing growing 26 times faster than the High Street it makes sense for independent retailers to
have access to this lucrative market place. The costs of selling via the internet and the technological
requirements have historically been a barrier to smaller businesses selling online and the market has generally
been left to large corporate e-retailers.
F1 Group, Lincolnshire Chamber of Commerce and Boston
BID Ltd are hoping to reverse this trend by making e-commerce available at acceptable cost levels. As a rough
guide the Lincolnshire Chamber offering will give an initial set up cost of circa £900 plus a monthly
management charge starting at £30 per month depending on the level of service taken.
Full details
of the project can be found by clicking the icon below "Boston Online Project" Clearly for a scheme of
this nature we need to have a critical mass of businesses interested in supporting the project so if any
members are interested in participating I would ask them to email me with their details.
The Christmas market will be open this weekend on Saturday 10th and Sunday 11th December
Saturday 19th November will be a normal trading day
Lincolnshire County Council, Boston Borough Council and Ringway are holding an open meeting in the Assembly Rooms on Wednesday 2nd November 2011 at 6:30pm