Adopting digital solutions can mean better customer experiences, improved productivity, enhanced security and more, but knowing where to start can be a stumbling block for many business owners.
Businesses struggling to get to grips with how digital technologies can improve their business have been thrown a lifeline from the Leicestershire Business Gateway Growth Hub. The Growth Hub is offering a number of digital services, including free digital health checks and consultancy to small and medium-sized businesses. However, with limited funding available companies are being asked to act quickly in order not to miss out.
Growth Hub advisers together with a range of digital specialists are working with the businesses to understand their aspirations and provide action plans to help them, not only see potential opportunities but also develop appropriate digital strategies.
Technical support from specialists has a focus on improving performance and reviewing current practices in the form of a digital health check. Other areas of support include accessing grant funding, selling online, website development, selling through platforms like Amazon or eBay, integrating stock systems or customer relationship software.
As well as the free consultations, digital marketing support is also available to tourism, hospitality, leisure and retail businesses, sectors that have been severely affected by the Covid-19 pandemic and resulting lockdowns. This includes free access to a digital marketing expert, creation of a three-month action plan and peer-to-peer networking; that helps businesses to connect with like-minded companies to share experiences and ideas.
In addition, a Business Growth Grant from £2,000 to £25,000 is available providing a 35% contribution towards capital costs to support growth and development; for example towards innovative technology products or services that improve performance.
Growth Hub Manager, Jon Egley commented: “We’re living in a fast-paced digital era and we’re keen to help businesses grow, be sustainable and remain competitive. There’s no better time to change, adopt new systems, processes or ways of working. Digital transformation could help SMEs cope with not only the current challenges of the pandemic but also create enough agility to deal with what comes next.”
Ian Lockwood is director of Boom Online, the creative agency providing specialist digital support on behalf of the Growth Hub. He added: “We’ll be working directly with businesses on their specific challenges, whether that’s helping them improve their website, get more visitors from Google or reach more people on social media. The support is tailored to each businesses’ specific needs and provides access to consultancy and expertise that would normally cost hundreds of pounds.”
Visit the website for details https://bizgateway.org.uk or subscribe to the newsletter for regular business support news and webinars https://bizgateway.org.uk/subscribe
The Business Gateway service is part-funded by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) and, as part of a national network of Growth Hubs, the service is also funded by the government. It is run in partnership with Leicester City Council, Leicestershire County Council, East Midlands Chamber (Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire, Leicestershire) and the Leicester and Leicestershire Enterprise Partnership Limited (LLEP).
Free digital health checks for Leicestershire businesses.
Contact the Business Gateway today: 0116 366 8487 www.bizgateway.org.uk
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