Harnessing the digital economy: an opportunity for York businesses to boost digital skills

City of York Council have announced a business event, offering anyone working for a York business the chance to boost their digital skills following the huge success of the ‘Empowering and Inspiring Women in Business in York’ event earlier this month.

The council is partnering with Google Digital Garage to provide three webinars and a free, in-person training and mentoring day. Google Digital Garage provides online and live webinar digital skills training to businesses and to individuals in the UK to help people grow their skills, businesses or careers.

In addition to the training, each business that attends the workshops will be able to sign up to FREE 1-to-1 online mentoring with Google Digital Experts to ensure they can get guidance tailored to their specific digital needs - from building your brand on YouTube, Google Search and Maps to creating more ways to bring customers to your business.

The event will take place on Thursday 18 May at the Hospitium and is free to attend. Places are limited so people are advised to book ahead at: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/digital-skills-training-tickets-522660992097

An event earlier this month timed around International Women’s Day saw women entrepreneurs from across York take the opportunity to hear from special guest speakers, participate in digital skills workshops and network with fellow female professionals. Attendees also learned about the business support available from both key event partners;  NatWest and City of York Council.

The event, attended by 75 businesswomen from across York, also saw the launch of a new cohort for the 'Courageous Females' course, to take place in April. Funded through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UK SPF), the new course will enable 20 York-based women business leaders to build confidence and resilience while running their business, and in the workplace. This course is now fully booked and there is a waiting list, so if you are interested please sign up: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/the-courageous-females-programme-tickets-558095648107

Councillor Ashley Mason, Executive Member for Economy and Strategic Planning, said,

“We continue our work to empower and support our thriving local business community, enabling local entrepreneurs to grow their businesses and access advice and support.

“I’m delighted that our first event of 2023 was such a success, with so many attendees taking the opportunity to develop their skills. With the ‘Courageous Females’ course now fully booked, we hope it will support and inspire more local women in business.

“Following the success of these training sessions, we are now excited to announce the next event, which is open to anyone working for a York business. I’d encourage anyone in York’s business sector, whether leading an established business or thinking of starting one, to attend the event and boost their digital skills.”

Debbie Weinstein, Managing Director of Google UK & Ireland, said: 

"Digital technologies are truly transformative and can help businesses and individuals across the UK to increase their earnings, boost their productivity and unlock their full potential. As a former business owner myself, I understand how tough it is to know where to turn to for advice. That's why we're providing hands-on support as part of our nationwide digital skills drive to help equip more people with invaluable skills that help to create jobs and economic opportunities."