A series of free digital skills workshops organised by onlincolnshire have been such a hit with Lincolnshire businesses that they’ve added an extra date to satisfy demand.

The two-day Growing with Technology courses for independent retailers, café owners and publicans, which have been running across the county since January, provide practical training on social media, digital marketing, cyber security, cloud computing and e-commerce.

Businesses who attend the additional workshops in Sleaford on 15^th and 22^nd March will also benefit from a one-to-one follow-up meeting at their premises to help them implement what they have learnt during the two days.

Cllr Colin Davie, Executive Member for Economic Development at Lincolnshire County Council, explained: “We’re delighted with the response these events have had so far and I know the onlincolnshire team are thrilled to now be offering an additional two days’ training for businesses in the Sleaford area.”

“All those who have attended the courses so far have been found it worthwhile and we’ve received some excellent feedback. We’re hoping that the additional workshops in Sleaford will also be well attended. I would encourage anyone who would like to take advantage of this fantastic opportunity to grow their business to sign up as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.”

The workshops are funded by Lincolnshire County Council. To book your free place on the two-day workshop in Sleaford on 15^th and 22^nd March call John Owens on 0780 9631597 or visit www.sleafordtechskills.eventbrite.co.uk

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Notes to Editors:

About onlincolnshire

• onlincolnshire is a Lincolnshire County Council-run project which is part-funded by the East Midlands European Regional Development Fund Programme 2007 to 2013.
• In March 2013, the council signed a £48 million contract with BT to provide superfast broadband to at least 88% of county properties by 2016, with the remaining properties having access to at least of 2Mbps broadband. A further investment of £2.8 million was announced in February 2014 which has increased the number of properties to 89%.
• The contract with BT concentrates on an intervention area of over 150,000 premises where existing or planned commercial roll outs would not deliver superfast speeds.
• The Department for Communities and Local Government is the managing authority for the European Regional Development Fund Programme, which is one of the funds established by the European Commission to help local areas stimulate their economic development by investing in projects which will support local businesses and create jobs. For more information visit communities.gov.uk/erdf
• Some internet users in rural Lincolnshire experience speeds of less than 1 Mbps. The UK’s average broadband speed is 12 Mbps, according to Ofcom.
• onlincolnshire also offers up to 12 hours of support and advice to eligible Lincolnshire businesses to help them make the most of their access to improved broadband. Specialist consultants provide demonstrations, workshops, masterclasses or one-to-one coaching and mentoring to businesses to improve their services, processes, productivity and profitability.