See how local businesses benefit from Royal Greenwich e-business support

by our Staff Writer | Greenwich

A Royal Borough of Greenwich programme set up to help local businesses make better use of technology and the internet has seen nearly 200 firms benefit from the scheme.

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The Royal Borough’s E-business Support Programme was launched a year ago. It provides local firms with advice and training in technology and how best to use online techniques in areas like marketing and production. A year on and the scheme is proving a major success with new jobs being created as a direct result of the help and advice provided.

The E-business programme provides training and workshops for businesses as well as one-to-one sessions with specialist advisers from South East Enterprise. So far, nine websites have been built and another 50 businesses are being lined up to have their sites either built or rebuilt.

The initiative has already led to 20 new jobs being created by businesses that have undergone the programme and have expanded as a result. Subjects covered include best practice in social media, search engine optimisation, web design and e-commerce. There is a strong partnership with students and graduates from Greenwich University and Digital College Ravensbourne use their skills to directly work with local businesses.

Councillor Sizwe James, the Royal Borough of Greenwich’s Cabinet Member for Business, Employment and Skills said: “New media and internet technology is not just for larger firms or those that are technology based. It is just as valuable to more ordinary local businesses, particularly  ‘one man bands’ and those that are home-based. I would encourage everyone to check out whether South East Enterprise’s programme can help them grow and prosper.”

Tony Goldstein, SEE’s managing director said: “The E-Business programme is really having an impact, especially on retail businesses in the borough. As firms embrace the digital side of business they become better able to engage with their customers.”

Tensin Dakpa owns the Tibetan Restaurant Kailash Momo, in Woolwich and has taken part in the programme.

He said: “I attended the SEE’s one day’s training on how to use social media. I use social media as a business tool and SEE has been helping me set up my website. I hope that my new experience with social media reaches out to my customers and encourages them to say that they like eating here. I already have more than 200 people looking at my Facebook page”