A Nairn-based on-line retailer is planning a major expansion programme that could create up to 27 new jobs, after a grant application for £54,470 was approved by Inverness and Nairn Enterprise (INE).

WildDay.com was established in 2000 by Michael Jackson and Michael Green, specialising in on-line retailing of outdoor leisure products and clothing.  Since their launch the company has experienced exponential growth and attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors a month. The company now employs nine people and has a customer base of over 61,000 regular customers.

The success of the company has rendered its technology systems inadequate, possibly even to the point of losing it business, and a major upgrade of hardware and software capabilities is going ahead costing £108,000.

This will accommodate the company's existing and future expansion.  They plan to invest in electronic integration of all aspects of their business activities from stock control and accounting to better customer service.

The move is expected to see the company's staff numbers increase from nine to 36 over the next three to four years.

E-business advisor with Inverness and Nairn Enterprise, David Williams, said:  "The use of modern technology and e-commerce is crucial to the future economic development of the Highlands and Islands.  Wildday.com is an example of a company that has embraced these principles and made a significant impact in servicing a UK-wide market from Nairn.  It is clear that there is considerable potential for the company to expand into new markets and take on many new employees in the process.  This is good news for the company and good new for Nairn and I am delighted we are able to provide our support."

Director of wildDay.com, Michael Green, said:  "WildDay's continued success has demonstrated that there are many commercial advantages to operating an e-commerce business in the Highlands. We are delighted that INE share our vision of developing our operational head quarters into a centre of worldwide e-commerce excellence."