Free support for businesses

Free support to develop digital services is now available for Lanarkshire SMEs working with Business Gateway Lanarkshire.

DigitalBoost offers small to medium sized businesses with growth potential the opportunity to build their digital capabilities and adopt the technology needed to increase their competitiveness and productivity.

North and South Lanarkshire Councils secured £76,434 from the Scottish Government to provide the services.

Eligible Lanarkshire businesses can access up to 21 hours of free expert support from a digital consultant to help build platforms, communicate, set strategies and find more customers.

They will also have access to free expert surgeries and online advice and tips.

“Reaching customers digitally is a key part of all businesses now, and our DigitalBoost programme offers local SMEs expert advice and support to do more with digital,”said

Councillor Allan Graham, convener of the enterprise and growth committee at NLC. During the coronavirus pandemic more people were shopping and accessing services online so businesses need to adapt to meet that demand.

“Business Gateway Lanarkshire can help with one-to-one support and webinars on a range of subjects including web analytics, social media, digital strategy and email marketing.”

Councillor John Anderson, chairman of SLC’s community and enterprise resources committee, said: “This amazing, free opportunity will enable our businesses to improve their e-commerce capability and offer a higher level of service to their customers while adding value to their businesses overall.

“This support will enable businesses to raise their business profile, reach more customers and ultimately increase their turnover, through targeted use of online methods.”

For further information contact Business Gateway Lanarkshire on 01698 756956 or at www.bgateway. com/local-offices/lanarkshire/ local-support