Digital+ creating ‘hits’ for businesses

The Connecting Cheshire Digital+ business support programme has now helped more than 100 small firms since its launch in May.

Cheshire East Council’s Digital+ programme provides small-to-medium-sized businesses (SMEs) with free expert support on digital marketing and technology, including social media and cloud computing, as well as how to optimise their website.

An impressive 98 per cent of feedback from businesses owners said the support had ‘met or exceeded’ their expectations.

Owners of Direct Access, a Nantwich-based disability access consultancy, said they gained invaluable insight on how to improve their social media marketing and develop an effective marketing plan as they continue to expand in the UK. They are now exploring opportunities to expand internationally.

The company faces unique challenges as both senior members of staff are deaf – so generating new business and engaging with people through telephone marketing can be difficult.

As a result of the support received, they are now able to exploit social media more effectively and have a range of digital platforms, including LinkedIn, to market their service and reach new audiences.

Stephen Mifsud, managing director of Direct Access, said: “The Digital+ programme has transformed the way we communicate on social media. Being able to showcase our current testimonials in this way has attracted new business for us ranging from Eurostar to the National Racecourse Association and significant export opportunities in Dubai.”

Cheshire East Councillor George Hayes, chairman of the Skills and Growth Company, said: “I urge any business to take up this opportunity to learn from experts and boost their understanding of digital marketing to gain new skills and become more competitive, opening up new opportunities for growth.”

The Digital+ programme is part of the Connecting Cheshire partnership’s Digital 2020 programme and aimed at eligible SMEs businesses in Cheshire and Warrington. The programme is managed by the Skills and Growth Company, supported by the 2014 to 2020 European Structural and Investment Funds Growth Programme.

The next one-day courses will be held on:

● Wednesday 24 October – Digital marketing and social media; and

● Wednesday 7 November – Cloud-based office software and information technology.

For more information about the Digital+ programme and forthcoming seminars please visit: www.digitalpluscheshire.co.uk