Partnership to support small businesses and help boost digital skills, aiding COVID-19 recovery.
Be the Business, a not-for-profit movement helping every firm in the country improve their performance, is partnering with Facebook to host an event in the North West providing free advice, training and inspiration to micro and small businesses in the wake of COVID-19.
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The event took place on 16th September. The event will feature leading firms from the region, including: Carr’s Pasties, Dunsters Farm, Cheshire’s Children’s Market and The Rug Seller. Attendees will also receive training from Be the Business and Facebook on using Instagram for business, business finances and innovating your business model.
Crucially, the event aims to help businesses boost their digital skills, provide access to essential resources and get ongoing support to recover and grow.
The impact of the Coronavirus is being felt by businesses around the world. However, Be the Business has uncovered some optimism on the horizon, showing that small firms have adopted technology at unprecedented rates to meet COVID-19 related business challenges, including operating virtual businesses and powering remote workforces. Indeed, Be the Business finds that 11% of firms in the North West have changed their approach to technology since March, adopting new technologies or intending to ‘soon’.
Recent Facebook research showed the pivotal role digital channels are playing in the recovery of small businesses, with 55% of UK small businesses surveyed now making more than a quarter of their sales online.
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This event is an integral part of a year-long partnership between Be the Business and Facebook which also includes a messenger bot that guides businesses to bespoke advice and a new national peer group on Facebook where business owners can exchange ideas and advice.
Sir Charlie Mayfield, Chairman, Be the Business said: ‘It’s a tragedy that it’s taken a global pandemic to do it, but we are seeing a huge drive for efficiency, interest in technology and innovation from UK businesses. Our event in the North West will capitalise on that ambition, providing guidance and resources to the firms who need it most. Small businesses will be at the heart of the UK’s economic recovery, and Be the Business, alongside our partner Facebook, is committed to helping them succeed.”
Steve Hatch, VP for Northern Europe at Facebook, said: “We’re committed to doing everything we can to help small businesses in these challenging times. Our tools can help smaller companies trade online and effectively reach new customers around the world so they can create and sustain jobs in the North West. We’re delighted to be partnering with Be the Business to offer a programme of tailored advice and training that will help small businesses get the most value from our platforms.”
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