Google launches workshop project to boost Liverpool's online economy
Search engine giant Google today announced it will hold three months of free workshops and events across Liverpool to help small firms grow their online businesses.
The company wants to “boost the area’s online economy” by working with 1,500 businesses in Merseyside.
It is the first time Google has created a series of events dedicated to one city region.
The company says Liverpool lags behind rival cities, including Manchester and Leeds, in terms of using the internet for business.
It says a recent survey by the Boston Consulting Group shows small firms actively using the internet see sales growth four times greater than those firms that do not.
Max Steinberg, chief executive of regeneration agency Liverpool Vision, said: “There is strong evidence that no matter how small the business, or in what sector it operates, even a basic understanding of how to exploit web and email technology is a real driver for growth.
“We are working closely with Google because it is another opportunity to reach out to our businesses to help them improve their efficiency through better use of technology.
“A solid base of growing businesses is fundamental to the health of the city region.”
Raja Saggi, head of small business initiatives at Google UK, said: “The internet has created huge opportunities, but many business owners feel they don’t have the expertise they need to help their businesses grow online.
“This is the first time we have ever run a series of events aimed at helping one city, and we’ll be working hard with our partners to make a real difference to Liverpool’s internet economy over the coming months.
“With Liverpool’s strong business networks and sense of community, we believe this is the best city to run such an initiative.”
Google’s three-month programme will kick off on September 14 with a launch event in the Baltic Triangle area. There will then be a series of follow-up workshops in St Helens, Aintree, Liverpool city centre, Birkenhead and Speke. Meanwhile, a Google “juice bar” will travel around Liverpool offering “digital health checks”.
Today’s announcement follows the news, reported in LDP Business this week, that a member of Google’s developer relations team will be spending two days a week in Liverpool as part of the company’s efforts to develop links with developers across the North West.
Google has worked with organisations, including Liverpool Vision and Liverpool Chamber of Commerce and the Federation of Small Businesses to create its three-month programme.
Jenny Stewart, head of client services at Liverpool Chamber of Commerce, said: “We are keen to promote these events, provided by one of the biggest players in the online industry, to ensure that the businesses in the region make full use of the advantages that this technology can offer.”
For details on Google’s events, see www.gbbo.co.uk/liverpool
‹
Back
The Capital, 39 Old Hall Street, Liverpool
L3 9PP
Telephone: +44(0)151 600 2900
Email:
info@liverpoolvision.co.uk