Digital Business Skills Training at Edenmore Golf & Country Club

Ten businesses in Armagh, Banbridge & Craigavon had the opportunity to receive specialist training on internet marketing, social media and selling online, thanks to a new training programme which took place in Edenmore Golf & Country Club recently.

The Digital Business Skills programme, which includes three modules in digital marketing, website development and social media, has been specifically designed to help small businesses build their knowledge of the Internet and the benefits of getting their business online.

Research has shown that, while small businesses have a huge role to play in growing the local economy in, many SMEs lack the online skills to compete with larger businesses.  The course was facilitated by Lough Neagh Partnership and funded by Armagh, Banbridge & Craigavon Council.

A recent report by Lloyds Banking Group found that 36% of the UK’s small and medium sized businesses have no website and 20% have no online presence at all. Of those that are not online, the majority lack the technical skills they need to establish a web presence.

Eimear Kearney of Magnitude Digital Marketing, who  delivered the Digital Business Skills training, commented: “Independent and small businesses are the lifeblood of our high streets across Armagh, Banbridge & Craigavon, but the Internet and social media has transformed the local marketplace.

“Today’s customers expect to be able to research businesses and products online and on their smartphones, and this course is perfect for small businesses who want to attract new customers and claim their share of the booming Internet market.

“It’s easy for small businesses to feel overwhelmed by the sheer amount of information out there about getting their business online , and this training is very much designed to build their confidence by debunking the myths, helping them understand which online tools are right for their business and making the whole process very clear and simple.

“Lots of businesses are already seeing the benefit of the Digital Business Skills programme – some have reporting sales boost of up to 10% following the training. If getting online adds only one extra sale per day, you could gain an extra £600 per month!”

Participants included; Danann Crafts, Herron Country Fried Chicken, Scallywags, Patricia Quinn Opticians, Northern Regional College, Yarnhouse, and Edenmore Golf & Country Club