Partner Article

Behind the business with Celtech

Celtech provide software solutions to the retail industry. Founder and CEO Darragh Fanning, takes Bdaily behind the business.

What key challenges has your company recently faced?

Fortunately our business appears to be weathering the recent economic woes, and I probably shouldn’t say it but of late the business has been going from strength to strength with no major challenges. Our biggest challenge at the moment is simply trying to deliver on all of the exciting projects on the go. It’s difficult to manage so many projects at once, however we are getting there.

What is your biggest achievement over the past 12 months?

In 2011 we set a target to raise £1 million within the year for our causes and we did it! The combination of our dedicated social media manager who effectively engages the causes with the committed supporters of these causes meant that this was a realistic target. We have a great online community and this goes to show that concentrated effort can make great results with huge benefits, we have now generated over £3.1 million in funds since we started. We have also signed up some major national causes such as the RAF Air Cadets and Beat Bullying.

What is your biggest focus for the coming year?

We currently have more than 2,000 retailers featured on the site and we want to continue signing up well-known brands offering good deals to ensure our members are receiving the best online shopping experience and have every reason to shop through easyfundraising. We also want to progress with registering national charities to demonstrate how the site is an effective fundraising method for any sized charity or good cause, and how it can easily fit in with their strategies.

If you had to choose one top piece of advice for someone just starting out in business, or is currently operating within your industry sector, what would it be?

It’s vital to get a good team on board and take the time to hire the best people possible. The staff at easyfundraising are from diverse backgrounds and their skills have contributed well to the roles here. Also social media is a great way to PR your company and I’d recommend making this a priority to
anyone starting a business. Our dedicated social media manager engages with the good causes and supporters throughout the day to spread the word through Facebook, Twitter and blogging.

Can you share with us your view of the current landscape of business, in this region or generally and where your organisation sits within it?

Fundraising is of course a fundamental part of the daily routine for third sector organisations. Although there are thousands of good supporters out there, there comes a time when charities can struggle to think of innovative fundraising techniques which aren’t asking too much of their supporters. With very little management, easyfundraising.org.uk allows supporters to donate to their cause from their everyday online shopping, effectively generating free donations.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Tom Keighley .