Get Online to Get Ahead!

News release

17th July 2012

Firms in Mablethorpe can learn how having an online presence and using social media could boost their business at two free events being held next week.

At the first event, Back to Web Basics on Monday 23rd July at the Mablethorpe Business Centre, those attending will learn about how the Internet can work for them as well as basic steps to setting up a website such as registering a domain and how to get one built.

The second event, Social Media for Business, is being held on Thursday 26th July at the same venue and will be a chance for businesses to learn more about the power of social networks such as Twitter and Facebook.

Both workshops are supporting the creation of four Coastal Arts and Technology Hubs which are being piloted to provide networking opportunities and showcase different technologies available.

"The web basics event is a chance for businesses that might not have a very strong online presence to find out more about the opportunities the Internet can bring to their business," said organiser Dave Briggs from Spalding firm Kind of Digital.

“It’s aimed at those who don’t have too wide an understanding of the Internet, how it works or how to actually get started, so for businesses which have been unsure about getting online, it’s the perfect starting point.

“In this digital world, allowing people to be able to access your business via the Internet is vitally important.

“The social media event is more for those businesses which have a website and perhaps even a social media account already, but are maybe not utilising it in the best way. The benefits of social media for any business are huge: you get to raise your profile to hundreds if not thousands of people, start discussions, respond to feedback and promote your products or services.

"All of the seminars have been organised to take place in the evening so people won’t need to take valuable time out of the office to attend!"

The events are made possible through the Online Revolution project which is funded by the East Midlands European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) and managed via Lincolnshire County Council.

Online Revolution aims to raise awareness of the potential of superfast broadband and stimulate demand for the service in the project's three target areas: Lincoln, Boston and East Lindsey.

Other hubs at Alford, Skegness and Louth have been set up to host events so all areas of the district are covered.

The hubs also offer one-to-one business surgeries delivered remotely, taking each business person through practical advice and guidance including the basics of how to set up a website, understanding social media and how to run business more effectively using digital and online tools.

Part of the wider £57m OnLincolnshire campaign to improve superfast broadband across the county, Online Revolution is offering free advice to help small businesses make the most of the Internet.

To lend your support for faster broadband in Lincolnshire log on to the website www.OnLincolnshire.org and register your details to support our campaign. To book a place at any of the digital business cluster events visit the website www.digitallincs.com or call 020 3286 5186.

Ends

Notes to Editors

• The Online Revolution project is part-financed by the East Midlands European Regional Development Fund Programme 2007 to 2013. The Department for Communities and Local Government is the managing authority for the European Regional Development Fund Programme, which is one of the funds established by the European Commission to help local areas stimulate their economic development by investing in projects which will support local businesses and create jobs. For more information visit www.communities.gov.uk/erdf

• Online Revolution is a 30-month project which aims to ensure that rural areas and less well off communities in Lincolnshire are not left behind and unable to reap the economic, health and education benefits superfast broadband offers. The project also supports Lincolnshire's strategic vision to have widespread use of digital technologies by 2030.

• Online Revolution is a project funded by the East Midlands European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) and managed via Lincolnshire County Council which aims to raise awareness of the potential of superfast broadband and stimulate demand for the service from residents and businesses.

• It is part of the wider £57 million OnLincolnshire campaign which aims to achieve superfast broadband speeds of at least 24Mbps for 90% of homes and businesses in the county and a guaranteed 2Mpbs for the remaining premises by 2015.

• For more information visit www.OnLincolnshire.org

Cerri Delaney
Shooting Star PR
01522 528540
cerri@shootingstar-pr.co.uk
www.shootingstar-pr.co.uk
t: @cerridelaney

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