Google commits to supporting UK high streets via skills programme

By

Barbara Santamaria

Published
Mar 25, 2019

Google will tour at least 15 high streets across the UK to offer businessmen and women the opportunity to receive free training on a variety of digital skills.

The Google Digital Garage High Street Tour will start in May 2019 and visit cities across the UK offering free workshops and face-to-face coaching. The programme is a partnership between Google, the Federation of Small Businesses and the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy.

“Having the right digital skills can have a transformative impact on business growth and job creation. Our hope is that by providing dedicated, tailored training through the Digital Garage we can help bring new growth to high streets,” commented Ronan Harris, managing director of Google UK and Ireland.

“Despite the ongoing uncertainty posed by Brexit, we want to show businesses on high streets how digital skills can help them to thrive, not just as a place for commerce , but also as a cultural centerpiece of the communities that they serve.”

The workshops offered will range from developing a social media strategy and learning the value of insight-based marketing to writing a CV and cover letter, providing new skills for people who want to build their business, grow their confidence online or boost their career.

Michael Weedon, chair of the Federation of Small Businesses, said: “At a time when high streets are under intense pressure from rising business rates, higher employment costs and digital competition, it is more important than ever to innovate for the future.

“Many small businesses are in need of support to improve their digital skills, including high street firms. Through expanded digital skills, and adopting digital technologies, small businesses can find new ways of growing and adapting for the future.”