Bermudian Adrian Lodge has been hired to lead a new division at Bermuda Information Technology Services (BITS) Ltd.

The new section aims to meet the needs of online and digital demand in Bermuda, including the growth of e-commerce and the emerging m-commerce (mobile commerce).

Mr Lodge’s position as senior IT consultant includes responsibility for the creation of websites and mobile apps, with particular focus on e-commerce.

“In Bermuda there are only a handful of companies who utilise e-commerce today, and even fewer have mobile apps. It is only a matter of time before businesses realise the value of m-commerce as smartphone use continues to grow for both children and adults,” said Mr Lodge.

In a statement, BITS said the move strengthened the company’s digital services “providing clients with the newest technologies that relate to websites, apps and social media networks”.

The company has been in business for more than 25 years, providing a range of information technology services, including system infrastructure set-up and software development. Its client list includes IAG, Colonial Insurance, Ironshore, Tokio Millennium Re and the Bermuda Government.

BITS said businesses are moving away from websites that are just “online brochures” to ones that actually provide service to their customers and increase revenue for their business. That includes online bill payments, selling goods locally and overseas and updating content.

With social media networks such as Facebook beginning to offer shopping and sales functionality, the company has expanded its digital services to include social media consulting.

Ken Williams, a BITS partner, commenting on the appointment of Mr Lodge, said: “Adrian has tremendous ability to match technology with real-world business cases in order to help businesses thrive.

“It is great to have fresh, Bermudian talent working within this industry. We welcome him to the team and are excited to showcase the expertise he brings to our current and future clients.”

Mr Lodge previously worked as an IT analyst at Bermuda Telephone Company. He has more than 15 years of experience in website development.