Loughborough businesses can thrive in digital world thanks to Town Deal-backed programme

A free training programme is being launched to help businesses in Loughborough town centre make the most of the digital world.

Love Loughborough is launching the Digital Training Hub which will include online workshops, in-person courses and one-to-one support. A digital engagement officer has also been appointed to support the three-year programme and work with businesses.

The initiative is part of the £2.87 million Living Loughborough project which is being led by Charnwood Borough Council, in partnership with Love Loughborough

The project will also see more events held in the town centre and, investment in the town markets and the CCTV system. Free wi-fi in the town centre has already been extended as part of the project.

The funding has come from Loughborough Town Deal which secured £16.9 million from the Government’s Towns Fund. It is backing 11 projects which in total are worth more than £40 million of investment for the town.

Cllr Jenni Tillotson, the Council’s lead member for Economic Development, Regeneration and Town Centres, said: “This is a great project which will help local businesses enhance their online presence and increase trade. For some, that means it will also increase footfall for them as well which can create benefits for neighbouring businesses.

“It is one of many parts of the Living Loughborough project which has already delivered an augmented heritage reality trail and expanded wi-fi in the town centre. And there is much more to come!”

Lisa Brown, Love Loughborough manager, said: “We are very excited to work with a local business LikeMind Media on this training programme. They will be able to develop bespoke courses for Loughborough companies, through all sectors dependent on their needs.

“We feel that it is a great opportunity for Loughborough companies to receive free training thanks to Loughborough Town Deal.”

Dr Nik Kotecha OBE DL, chair of Loughborough Town Deal Board, said: “We live and operate in an increasingly digital world so it is great to see this support being offered to local businesses thanks to the funding provided through Loughborough Town Deal.

“The Town Deal continues to deliver investment into Loughborough and bring real benefits to residents, businesses and visitors.”

The free training is open to the hundreds of businesses that are members of Love Loughborough BID. The BID works with its members and partners to make Loughborough town centre a better place to visit and work.

The Digital Training Hub will launch in the autumn but Love Loughborough digital engagement officer Sam Berry is already in place and working with local businesses.

The hub will be supported by Loughborough-based LikeMind Media and courses may include social media support, web design, videography and digital marketing.

Local businesses can help shape the courses and to give views or find out more, contact Sam on 07939 312847 or email office@loughboroughbid.co.uk