Businesses in Dorset are being urged to become more switched on to realise their digital potential.
The Dorset Growth Hub has launched a Digital Growth campaign to help companies embrace the power of technology to boost their competitiveness in the local, national and global marketplaces.
It is holding an interactive conference in Bournemouth and an additional event in Weymouth on March 3 at the Pavilion from 9am to 1pm as well drop-in sessions in Dorchester and Bridport.
Digital health checks and grant vouchers will also be available in the free programme of events and activities. It is beingdelivered in partnership with the Dorset Growth Hub and the Dorset Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
Tony Latham, who is a Dorset Growth Hub advisor, said: “The digital world moves at a rapid pace.
“With thousands of potential customers online every day, it has never been more important for businesses to make sure they are up to speed.
“Digital Growth will offer valuable insights into how digital technologies are shaping the business world today and how they can be harnessed to help businesses become more competitive in a fast changing marketplace.”
The interactive conference – E-Marketing and Technology Megatrends: 2015 and Beyond – is being held in partnership with Dorset Superfast Business.
It will be on January 29 at AFC Bournemouth’s Goldsands Stadium from 9am to 1pm.
Keynote speakers will be Intergage managing director Paul Tansey and Key Multimedia managing director David Lakins.
Paul will explore best practice for developing an integrated marketing strategy and David will bring delegates up to date on the latest digital marketing tools.
There will be topic-based discussion forums as well as insights into such key components of web marketing as social media, search engines, content marketing, analytics, website design and branding, and mobile technology.
Additional Digital Growth events are being held in Ferndown on February 24 at Dudsbury Golf Club as well as the session at Weymouth Pavilion.
They will give an insight into new ideas to help companies become more competitive and win more business.
There will be keynote speakers with updates on the latest thinking and technology, discussions with the chance to ask questions on such subjects as social media, web design and digital marketing.
A series of drop-in days are also being held with the chance to have a digital health check, and apply for grant vouchers for improvements to IT systems or digital marketing activities.
The digital health check includes a complete review of IT systems, including hardware, software for finance, marketing and communications.
It also covers digital marketing, websites and social media.
Eligible companies can apply for a grant voucher of up to £500 for improvements.
The drop-in sessions are being held from 9.30am to 12.30pm with businesses able to simply drop in or book a half hour time slot.
They are being held in:
* Swanage on Tuesday January 20 at the council offices
* Christchurch on Tuesday January 27 at the library and learning centre
* Dorchester on Thursday February 5 at the Dorford Centre
* Shaftesbury on Wednesday February 11 at the Shaftesbury Task Force
* Blandford on Tuesday February 17 at the town centre parish centre
* Bridport on Friday February 27 at the town hall
All are from 9.30am to 12.30pm except for the Christchurch event which is from 1pm to 4pm.
Tony added: “Whether you are taking your first steps online or are more advanced, these events will arm you with the knowledge and ideas to help drive your business forward in 2015.”
For the conference at the Goldsands Stadium book online at www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/dorset-superfast-business-conference-in-partnership-with-the-dorset-growth-hub-emarketing-tickets-14524119031
For the Weymouth and Ferndown events, visit www.dorsetgrowthhub.co.uk/growing-your-business/support-schemes/reducing-digital-exclusion/.
You can also call Tony Latham on 08454 586 480 to book a place at any of the events.
