First 100 businesses benefit from Digital Cheshire programme

After its launch in August, more than 100 businesses across Cheshire, Warrington and Halton have benefited from masterclasses hosted by the Digital Cheshire programme.

The European Regional Development Fund supported scheme will continue next year and offers fully funded help, advice and guidance to eligible small and medium sized enterprises looking to maximise the use of their connectivity and adopt new digital ways of working. 

The programme offers specialist support in the format of masterclasses, focusing on a variety of themes including, digital marketing, social media, data protection, search engine optimisation, digital accountancy and other online based subjects to help businesses grow and make the most of the ‘digital revolution’. 

Through a hybrid delivery method, Digital Cheshire offers support in both a remote and face-to-face format, providing businesses with flexibility in the way they engage with the programme. 

Eligible businesses can apply to attend a series of masterclasses spread across four, six and eight hours, which are delivered by industry experts. Businesses can apply to attend multiple masterclasses across a range of themes that best suit their needs. As the masterclasses are fully funded there is no cost to attendees.  

Cheshire East based business UK IT Networks recently attended a series of masterclasses and their senior marketeer, Amy Helliwell (pictured), said:

“The Digital Cheshire programme has provided us with access to specialist support and guidance, which is directly relevant to our current business needs. 

“As the business continues to grow, we have expanded the team not only in marketing but across the whole business. Therefore, we are always looking for ways to improve what we do and continue to achieve our projected growth aspirations.

“Thanks to business support programmes like this, we feel empowered to deliver innovative marketing campaigns and redesign our website with our target audience in mind.”

Cllr Nick Mannion, chair of Cheshire East Council’s economy and growth committee, said:

“We are delighted to see businesses benefiting from the support available as part of the Digital Cheshire programme. 

“As industries recover from the disruption caused by the pandemic and begin to build business resilience, support programmes like Digital Cheshire which focus on empowering organisations to improve productivity, digitalise their operations and create effective marketing strategies are crucial.”

Digital Cheshire is available to eligible small and medium-sized businesses in Cheshire and Warrington; however spaces are limited.  Find out more and register your interest in taking part in the programme via the Digital Cheshire website.