A third programme of free workshops for businesses is taking place throughout the county in July as the Superfast Broadband for Nottinghamshire campaign continues to gather speed.
Businesses – large and small – and other organisations are being urged not to miss out on the opportunity to upgrade their knowledge for free by coming along to find out more about the benefits that quicker connection and download speeds can bring, both to their business and personal life.
Subjects covered by the workshops include search engine optimisation and mobile marketing, as well as using social media such as Twitter and YouTube to boost business.
The workshops are delivered by The NE Group and North Nottinghamshire College on behalf of Nottinghamshire County Council. They aim to ensure businesses are ready to take full advantage of improved broadband speeds, ahead of a £14million investment in digital infrastructure by the County Council and its partners, which will see thousands of homes and businesses being able to access faster broadband speeds by 2015.
Everyone is welcome to participate in the Superfast Broadband Workshops, even if they have attended previous events. Free refreshments and parking is available at each event and all attendees are entered into a prize draw to win one of the latest iPad tablets.
A Twitter account @SuperfastNotts has been created to keep followers updated on all forthcoming workshops and the delivery of the Superfast Broadband project in Nottinghamshire. You can also visit www.superfastnotts.co.uk to book onto future events.
Councillor Diana Meale, Chair of Economic Development at Nottinghamshire County Council, said; “The way companies do business online is constantly evolving. I would urge local firms, or people interested in starting a business to attend these workshops if they are keen to cash in on the opportunities Superfast Broadband will bring.
“Whether it’s using social media to bring in business or making sure your company is the first thing people see when they are looking for a product or service online, improved broadband access will open up a whole new world of opportunities for Nottinghamshire businesses.”
A good example of an organisation already using YouTube and other social media in the county is Experience Nottinghamshire. They have their own YouTube channel, ExperienceNottsTV and have over 10,000 people subscribed to their Facebook, Twitter and YouTube streams.
In a recent survey by Disney which asked people to name the “bare necessities” of modern life, internet access was ranked first – ahead of central heating, a car, TV and even a best friend!
The July workshops will be held at the following venues and times:
Search Engine Optimisation
Tuesday 2nd July – 8am to 10am
Idle Valley Nature Reserve, Retford DN22 8SG
How to use Twitter to gain more business
Tuesday 2nd July – 12pm to 2pm
National Fluid Power Centre
North Notts College, Worksop, S81 7HP
Location Based Marketing for Mobile devices
Wednesday 3rd July – 8am to 10am
Edwinstowe House, Edwinstowe, NG21 9PR
Connecting Communities: the Magic of Social Media
(This is a community focussed event where you can drop in and ask any burning questions with one-to-one advice and support)
Wednesday 3rd July – 12pm to 2pm
Lifespring Community Centre, Ollerton, NG22 9PU
Search Engine Optimisation
Thursday 4th July – 8am to 10am
Newark Beacon Business Centre, NG24 2TN
Location Based Marketing for Mobile Devices
Friday 5th July – 8am to 10am
Create @ West Notts College,
Mansfield, NG18 5BH
Search Engine Optimisation
Wednesday 10th July – 8am to 10am
The Summit Centre,
Kirkby in Ashfield, NG17 7LL
How to use You Tube to Benefit your Business
Thursday 11th July – 8am to 10am
Nottingham University, Jubilee Campus,
Triumph Road, Amenities Building, NG8 1BB
Source: Notts County Council
