Council launches free training sessions for growing Shropshire businesses
A council-backed series of free web-based training sessions have been launched in Shropshire, aimed at county businesses who are going for growth.
The ‘Fuel Your Business Programme’ begins on March 5, with further short online sessions being offered throughout March and April. The webinars will provide expertise for businesses on everything from securing funding, finance, boosting sales, recruiting, marketing, branding, and using social media and technology to attract new customers.
The webinars are only an hour long and suitable for start-up businesses as well as established companies, with organisers saying the sessions are aimed at helping businesses grow, upskill their staff, and increase profits.
"The Shropshire Growth Hub offers a wide range of events and initiatives to help businesses across Shropshire and we are delighted that this programme is now available to them," said Emma Chapman, manager of the Shropshire growth Hub.
“These short online webinars are something our businesses can jump onto at a time that is convenient to them, either at lunchtime, or for an hour late morning or early afternoon. We realise how busy they are but in just an hour they can pick up some key pointers and have access to experts who can help them grow and develop.”
A total of 12 webinars are on offer on a variety of dates and times, and businesses can choose to attend all 12 or simply join those that are of interest.
To join, businesses need to register for a free UK Export Academy account, with the sessions set to be broadcast via the Export Academy Platform by the Department of Business & Trade. However organisers added that the sessions are not export related but are for UK businesses that want to grow domestically.
Mark Jones, Shropshire Council’s Cabinet member for growth and regeneration, said: “This is yet another fully-funded initiative we are pleased to be able to offer to our Shropshire businesses to ensure they remain competitive. The business landscape is constantly shifting and getting more challenging, so we urge businesses to take advantage of these learning opportunities.”
Ben Leonard, Deputy Head of Project Development at the UK Export Academy at the Department of Business and Trade said,
“We’re really excited to be launching this series of webinars to support UK businesses. We’ve spoken to so many business owners and listened to the topics they want to learn about to feel confident investing in their growth. These interactive, online workshops are going to be a great way to gain knowledge, skills and confidence”
