Member Article

Free digital training for Northumberland businesses

Starscape Star Ceilings Ltd, a Berwick-based company which manufactures bespoke fibre optic star kits and star ceiling panels for commercial and private clients, has increased its order book after receiving free digital marketing support from the iNorthumberland business programme.

Amateur astronomers and business partners, John Dunn and Peter Fagan, launched Starscape 15 years ago after taking inspiration from early 80s fibre optic light designs.

John Dunn, director at Starscape, explains: “We operate in a niche market and decided that there was more we could be doing to increase our online presence.

“It was perfect timing when we heard about iNorthumberland and the free digital training available. We took part in several sessions ranging from SEO and digital marketing to social media for business and how to create more lead enquiries through our website.

“The training really challenged us to review our approach to generating new business and how we promote ourselves online. Although we’re reasonably internet-savvy, we were conscious that we were weak when it came to exploiting social media platforms.

“And, while we consider that we’re pretty good at Search Engine Optimisation – typically ranking in the top three in the natural rankings for our sector – the SEO training showed how we can consolidate and further improve our standing.

“Following the training, we’ve already improved SEO on the website, set up a Twitter account and introduced a blog to stay in regular contact with customers and prospects.

“I’d highly recommend anyone in business locally to take advantage of iNorthumberland’s free digital training programme. They provide a fantastic range of support as well as an ideal opportunity to network with other companies across the county.”

The iNorthumberland business programme provides high quality support to Northumberland-based businesses, with the aim of helping them benefit from online technology to manage and grow their business online.

The bespoke support package includes one-to-one sessions with business advisers, focused workshops delivered by industry experts, access to an online learning portal and financial incentives.

Upon completing 12 hours of training, businesses will qualify for 12 months of free superfast broadband – worth up to £400.

Councillor Dave Ledger, Arch chair and deputy leader of Northumberland County Council, said: “It’s great to hear about established companies like Starscape developing their skills and making the most of the training provided by iNorthumberland Business Support.

“We have had a lot of positive feedback so far and I would encourage more businesses - from start-ups to established companies – to take advantage of the opportunity to grow their business using online technology.”

The free digital workshops are available until the 18th December 2015. To book a place or to find out more about how businesses can benefit from the support available, please contact the iNorthumberland programme team on 01670 528409 or visit the website at www.inorthumberlandbusiness.co.uk

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Round Table Solutions Ltd .