Wiltshire sole traders and SMEs are being invited to apply for a newly launched free support programme seeking to make them more successful through better use of digital tools and technology.
Ben Masheder of Business West said, “The aim is to provide businesses in Wiltshire with practical advice on how to become more efficient, productive and profitable through better use of digital technology, so they can succeed and grow.”
Business West and TechSPARK are delivering the new programme – Tech Adoption for Growth – in partnership with the West of England Mayoral Combined Authority (WECA), funded by UK Government.
Two support routes
After applying sole traders and SMEs accepted onto the programme will be assigned support through one of two routes. “The first is one-to-one consultancy with an experienced consultant who will provide tailored advice,” Masheder explained.
“The second will be expert-led, peer-group workshops, covering AI, cyber security, digital marketing, selling online, accounting software and other key tech topics. The workshops address real–world challenges, while providing the opportunity to learn from other businesses and share your own knowledge.”
The four-part workshop series for Wiltshire businesses will get underway on 3rd June, 9:30am–12:30pm, at The Workshed in Swindon. Following two further online morning workshops (10th and 17th June), a final workshop will take place on 24th June, 9:30am–12:30pm at The Workshed.
Real business benefits
Businesses from Wiltshire have already gained from Tech Adoption for Growth workshops. Interior designer Debbie Watts runs Swindon-based commercial environment design business Ashlar ID. She said, “Just being with other business owners from different backgrounds, all with similar problems, and learning and sharing solutions together, has been brilliant. There were so many things I learned.”
Emma Michael runs her own Warminster-based consultancy, advising small-business owners on how to gain from using AI. She commented, “I classify myself as ‘non-techy’ – very much like the business owners I work with. Once you understand AI, you don’t need to be technical. But there are other aspects of the programme, such as digital marketing, that I know much less about. That’s why I was excited to apply, learn more and improve my skills.”
Emma said she was delighted to take part and would highly recommend the workshop sessions. “They’re really interactive and got me thinking more deeply. Sometimes, because we’re so busy, we forget to step away and work on our business, rather than in it all the time. So, this has been brilliant.”
As a result, she has also reconsidered how she markets her business. “Email marketing, for example, although I did it, it wasn’t consistent enough. I’m the same with getting customer testimonials. I’m going to make that process easier and make sure I do it at the end of all my workshops. Really simple things can make a huge impact.”
Sign up now
Almost 200 South West businesses have already signed up for Tech Adoption for Growth, but many more spaces are available. “It’s a great opportunity for sole traders and SMEs to learn from leading experts how to get much more from technology – without having to pay consultancy fees. Gaining that knowledge could make a big difference to your business,” Masheder concluded.
- Sole traders and SMEs can apply for Tech Adoption for Growthhere
- Watch a short YouTube video about Tech Adoption for Growth and how it benefits small-business owners.
Pictured above: Image by Lalmch from Pixabay
