East Suffolk launches digital springboard for businesses

A new digital springboard will help businesses in East Suffolk improve their online presence by offering workshops, resources and a ‘digital MOT’ tool. 

The website is developed by MENTA, a not-for-profit company offering business training across Suffolk and Norfolk, and is jointly funded by East Suffolk Council, the New Anglia Local Economic Partnership’s Innovative Projects Fund, and the government’s Getting Building Fund.

Cllr Stephen Borroughs, the council’s cabinet member for customer experience, said: ‘Now we’re able to augment the broader programme by offering businesses across East Suffolk a launchpad from which to realise their digital goals, however modest or ambitious. 

‘Businesses looking to pivot following the pandemic, and in need of extra support to develop their digital aims, may find the support particularly helpful.’ 

Part of the ‘Digital Towns’ programme, the site also signposts businesses to the council’s digital springboard grants and provides advice on what the grants can be used for as well as how to apply. 

Some of the free courses linked on the website, and provided by MENTA, include ‘Building an Effective Website’, ‘Selling Online & Getting Paid Safely’ and ‘Using Social Media’. 

MENTA Chief Executive Alex Till said: ‘It is fantastic to see the progressive nature of East Suffolk Council and being responsive to the needs of businesses that we are so passionate about supporting. 

‘With the changing trends in digital technologies, this programme will enable businesses to review their digital impact and benefit from the resources that are available under this fully funded programme.’ 

In addition to the resources and free classes available, business owners are also able to book one to one support with one of the company’s digital experts and find information about ‘digi drop-in’ help sessions. 

Other projects in the ‘Digital Towns’ programme include the installation of free public Wi-Fi across the district and the use of footfall counters that create connections with Wi-Fi enabled devices to collect data on the number of visitors to towns and peak visiting times. 

Support programmes for digital businesses have been appearing across the UK over recent years as national and local government bodies look to support businesses in the fast-moving sector. Scotland recently established seven ‘Techscaler’ hubs to aid tech companies looking to grow their operations. 

You can access the digital springboard by clicking this link.

Photo: East Suffolk Council