Leeds web development firm gives lifeline to Yorkshire business struggling to trade due to Covid-19 pandemic

GRM Digital launched the campaign after seeing local businesses struggling to trade offline during the Covid-19 pandemic.

The initiative saw dozens of businesses without an e-commerce website apply with three worthy candidates chosen from the Yorkshire region.

The winners include Leeds events firm TPL Experiences, and Barnsley-based ICD Training which offers courses in energy and utilities.

Both firms offer online training and will benefit from bespoke-built booking platforms that allow users to book specific time slots via the website.

The third winner is off grid renewable energy experts, Xerogrid, from Leeds, which has worked with businesses and domestic properties across the globe to install solar energy.

The company has customers and projects ranging from UK farmers to Spanish villas and one of the largest ever solar installations in Ghana, West Africa,

Xerogrid is confident the e-commerce website will allow a seamless process for people to select their renewable energy installations or order parts to install the technology themselves.

Xerogrid originally formed as Ian E Energy in 2014.

Having experienced phenomenal growth, the firm re-branded to extend the company’s services across the globe.

But as a business dependent on travel and supplier referrals, the Covid-19 lockdown saw orders disappear overnight.

Ian Emberton, founder and managing director of Xerogrid, said: “Xerogrid is a young business which has previously relied on word of mouth and orders from our suppliers.

"The Covid-19 pandemic meant there were difficulties in working with international suppliers and our orders quickly dried up.

"When I saw GRM Digital’s offer, I jumped at the chance to get a website people can order directly from, as I know there are still people unable to connect to the grid, as well as those who want to find a more sustainable way to power their homes and businesses.

“GRM Digital have been amazing. We had an initial call and I could tell they really know their stuff.

"I’m excited to see the final website they’re working hard to get up and running and in turn continue to enable Xerogrid to give power to the people.”

Nej Gakenyi, CEO and founder of GRM Digital, said: :"We received several applications which we carefully read through and selected the three winners we believed we could best support.

"It is clear that all three firms will benefit from an e-commerce website which our team is working hard to develop and we hope our support not only helps them to get through the current pandemic, but helps them to thrive in the future too."

GRM Digital formed in 2009 and has worked with a range of world-leading brands and SMEs to enhance their online presence.