Tech Mobile

An Isle of Lewis-based IT service has adapted its offering in a bid to keep the Western Isles connected throughout COVID-19.

Launched in 2004, Tech Mobile is widely recognised as a reliable IT supplier across the region and is the only gaming high street outlet in the Outer Hebrides.  Despite challenges posed by COVID-19 including loss of income due to clients being placed on furlough, with support from Business Gateway, founder Murdo MacIver has been able to offer alternative ways to provide services to customers.

Prior to the pandemic, Tech Mobile accessed DigitalBoost, the Scottish Government’s leading digital skills programme delivered by Business Gateway to improve the company’s social media presence. Thanks to these resources, the business has responded to the ‘new normal’ by increasing social media activity as a communication tool and has adopted new online platforms such as Amazon Marketplace to sell products.

Lockdown restrictions mean the need for effective IT systems and technology has never been greater. Fortunately, Tech Mobile was quick to respond to the significant uplift in demand for services and despite the initial loss of income, the business has experienced a surge in sales of laptops and printers, as well as repairs and serving since lockdown was enforced.  Murdo MacIver, founder, Tech Mobile, said “Business Gateway’s DigitalBoost programme has been fantastic and undoubtedly, the resources have helped us navigate through what has been a very challenging period for the business.  We have been able to adapt and connect with our customers through social media to provide crucial IT support and services to the community during this time. Identifying opportunities to stay connected while we remain socially distanced has been key to being able to continue trading throughout this difficult period.”

Derek Maclean, Business Adviser, Business Gateway Outer Hebrides, said “It’s great that the team at Tech Mobile have been able to continue trading despite the pressure COVID-19 has placed on almost every aspect of running a business.  The DigitalBoost programme is a useful package filled with free support services including one-to-one digital consultancy, a digital health check, access to webinars and guidance with switching current services online.  At a time where human interaction is limited, it’s rewarding to be able to help the team at Tech Mobile adapt their services and continue trading during the pandemic.”

To find out more about Business Gateway and its services, please visit Business Gateway (Opens in a new window or downloads a file) website.