Google experts to give Hartlepool entrepreneurs an internet masterclass

Googles last session in Hartlepool in 2014. Gori Yahaya, head of Google Juice Bar, with MP Iain Wright.

Hartlepool College of Further Education will host the Digital Garage On Tour event on February 5 where business bosses can learn how to turbo-charge their growth.

The event will be co-hosted by Hartlepool MP and Chair of the Business Innovation and Skills Select Committee, Iain Wright.

A seminar and one-to-one mentoring sessions are planned for the event, which is part of Google’s commitment to provide digital skills training to 200,000 small businesses across the UK by the end of this year.

Government research has shown that small and medium sized firms with a strong web presence grow more than twice as quickly as competitors, create more than twice as many jobs, and are 50% more likely to sell outside of their immediate region.

Mr Wright said: “The internet offers a wealth of exciting opportunities for Hartlepool’s businesses.

“The digital economy is incredibly important in the 21st century and firms’ abilities to be on-line successfully will help those enterprises grow and create more prosperity and employment opportunities in the town.

“That’s why I’m keen to host Google’s experts in Hartlepool. The knowledge and experience they bring is a brilliant resource for local businesses and I would encourage as many people as possible to sign up and get involved in this free training.”

Eileen Naughton, managing director, Google UK, said: “The Internet is already playing an important role in helping companies of all sizes across the Hartlepool area reach new customers, manage marketing expenses and use data-driven consumer insights to help their business grow.

“We want to make sure this opportunity is open to all. Our goal at Google is to show UK businesses how easy it is to get online and turbo-charge their growth.

“We hope that businesses in and around Hartlepool will take advantage of these free digital training sessions.”

This is not the first time that staff from Google have held a seminar in town.

Free workshops were held in 2014 as part of a drive to empower small business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs.

Sixty delegates took part.

Mr Wright said he wanted Google to come to town so that Hartlepool’s businesses could beneit and hopefully create jobs.

The latest Hartlepool event runs from 12.30pm to 2.30pm on February 5.

Businesses and entrepreneurs can sign up for the free consultations and workshops by visiting https://events.withgoogle.com/the-digital-garage-on-tour-hartlepool/

To learn about Digital Garage, visit: https://digitalgarage.withgoogle.com/