As part of Graham’s campaign to deliver a better Withernsea, Graham brought experts from Google to the SHoRes Centre for workshops with small businesses in Withernsea and the surrounding villages.
Businesses owners had the opportunity to learn about AI, search engine optimisation, digital marketing, launching a businesses online and writing for the web.
Across workshops, lectures and one-on-one coaching, business owners had the opportunity to learn the online skills which are so vital for the future of business in the twenty-first century.
Courses at the workshop included ‘Marketing Strategy and AI’, ‘Problem Solve Like a Consultant’, ‘Get your Business Visible on Google’ and ‘Social Media Strategy’.
Graham had the opportunity to sit in on one of the sessions. A business owner asked how she could boost her Google search rankings and access foreign markets.
As a former exports minister, Graham was fascinated to hear Google’s advice on the issue, which was primarily about providing websites in foreign languages.
The free all-day session took place with the full support of Withernsea’s SHoRes Centre, a community centre run by the incomparable Jayne Nendick.
The centre, on Withernsea’s iconic promenade, provides support and advice to everyone who needs it in Withernsea, including employability, the Community Pantry, the popular SHoRes Diner, a homecare service, Homecare Ltd and much more besides.
SHoRes is also hosting the Withernsea Banking Hub, which Graham helped bring to the town following the closure of Lloyds at the beginning of the year.
Withernsea is always at the top of Graham’s thoughts: a town with the most fantastic potential yet since the demise of the railway and lack of connectivity to Hull, the seaside resort has been suffering for decades.
Graham has worked hard to keep jobs in Withernsea, improve bus services, keep the town tidy and keep healthcare services in the town.
He has long believed that an opportunity for Withernsea exists as a future ‘digital nomad’ hub – people running successful online businesses from the town, benefitting from great internet speeds and the beautiful coastal location.
Bringing the Google Digital Garage to the town is a part of that effort – building up skills among those already living in the town.
Further support from the Google Digital Garage is available to all, whether or not they attended the session, for free at https://skillshop.exceedlms.com/student/catalog/list?category_ids=7879-….
The last government greatly encouraged exporting and providing support to businesses, and the Department for International Trade offers great advice on exporting at www.great.gov.uk.
Graham Stuart, Member of Parliament for Beverley and Holderness, commented, “The buzz at SHoRes was palpable when Google came to town – the centre was full of business owners who were looking to get a leg up and learn the skills they need to grow their online presence.
“I’m so grateful for Google for agreeing to bring their experts to Withernsea, and to SHoRes for providing the most fantastic space to make it happen.
“The workshops were insightful and I was particularly interested to hear their advice on exporting, having served as Exports Minister in the last government.
“We can’t rest on our laurels though: Withernsea is always in need of support and I will continue to do my best to bring opportunities to this fantastic seaside town.
Jayne Nendick of the SHoRes Centre in Withernsea said, “Google were just brilliant at their Digital Skills workshop, and I’m just delighted Graham suggested they come to SHoRes.
“It’ll make a real difference to Withernsea – and the attendees could clearly see that this was a great opportunity and I know that this one day will have given businesses in and around Withernsea so much support.”
