Hambleton District Council has teamed up with the Northallerton digital innovation company C4DI to deliver bespoke digital support to Northallerton businesses this spring.
As part of a £50k project called ‘digital labs’ which is funded by the council, C4DI will offer free tailored support packages to local businesses all aimed at helping them upgrade and modernise their systems and processes through bespoke digitalisation projects.
There are currently six Northallerton businesses signed up for the digital labs project, including Joe Cornish Gallery and Betterdaze, both based on Zetland Street in the town.
The support will focus on business development and in particular a footfall booster programme, development of websites, online shopping and distribution and social media.
Councillor Mark Robson, Leader of Hambleton District Council said: “Making this unique support opportunity available to Northallerton businesses is really good news.
“Recent times have been challenging for our business community, who have been forced to focus on survival and adapting to restrictions over the last two years of the Covid pandemic, so to now be in a position where they can access free unique support, from a digital innovation expert to help strengthen their businesses through improved use of digital technologies, I think will be most welcome, and it’s heartening to see local businesses supporting each other in this way.
“I’m delighted that as a council we are able to throw our support behind this by funding this venture, again demonstrating our practical approach to making sure our district continues to develop and thrive into the future.”
C4DI Northallerton
Linsey Brown, C4DI Projects & Communications Manager said, “We are delighted to be working closely with Hambleton District Council to deliver this bespoke programme giving local businesses the opportunity to learn firsthand from digital experts who are already long-standing members of our community. C4DI Northallerton has welcomed some great community members over the last 6-months, and we have started delivering our first events, so to also be offering a digital project to the local businesses is truly fantastic in such a short period of time!"
Adam Richardson from Joe Cornish Café & Gallery said: “As a business who offers an online shopping experience, we are really interested to get involved in this and to develop our skills. We are always keen to make our customer experience a slick, professional and positive one and look forward to developing our digital offer with support from C4DI.”
Gary Lewis from Betterdaze record shop said: “Given the unique nature of our business and the fact we have regular customers who are based all over the UK, the digital labs concept is perfect for us, and we are keen to sign up and get started. Being able to offer an enhanced digital presence and to improve our website and social media feeds allows us to showcase exactly what we have to offer, and it also means it will be easier for our customers to browse and purchase wherever they are based.”
This unique business support is only available to Northallerton businesses currently, with the potential to roll it out to other parts of the district in the future.