The Centre for Digital Business is a sector-independent 'centre of excellence' that aims to provide businesses with the strategies, techniques and tools to leverage the benefits of the digital economy and avoid the pitfalls. The Centre is a private sector initiative conceived by a few digitally-aware businesspeople who recognised that many businesses, particularly in more 'traditional' sectors, were not using digital technologies effectively in areas such as marketing and business process management. In a world where digital technologies are often central to competitiveness, the founders wanted to establish an organisation to address this deficit. “The BIC’s Innovation Programme has a broad reach, working with SMEs throughout the region. With considerable knowledge of social media already, we wanted more than a lesson in the pro’s and con’s of facebook and twitter so we approached the Centre for Digital Business to learn more about social media management tools. “The results were fantastic. During our session we looked at the tools that would help us achieve our objectives, and we even developed a campaign plan on the day. Everything we have put in place can be measured and the fine tuning of our own skills means we are able to make every action count. I would recommend anyone who wants to know more about making digital work for you to contact the Centre for Digital Business team.” **(Elizabeth Shaw, Innovation Manager, North East Business and Innovation Centre (BIC)** “The Centre for Digital Business offers a range of training sessions that are packed full of practical advice. Their presenters are knowledgeable and engaging, who are well versed at putting the strategic implications of things like social media into context, in order to help you determine which platforms will generate the best return on investment for your business.” **(Christina Munn, Marketing Officer, Bishop Auckland College)** “We commissioned the Centre for Digital Business to carry out some training for our business support team to increase their understanding of social media platforms. We were delighted with the service, which far exceeded our expectations. Our team members were all at different stages of understanding but Andy Atkins pitched it perfectly to ensure that everyone achieved their personal objectives. The whole experience was very professional, with clear goals set and achieved. We are already seeing business benefits as a result of the training and wouldn’t hesitate to recommend the Centre for Digital Business." **(Carole White - TEDCO)**
