News

February 21, 2012

Former Dragon launches free web-training workshops for online traders

Former Dragons’ Den entrepreneur Doug Richard has launched a series of free business training bootcamps aimed at small firms that want to expand online.

Launched in partnership with the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills, the Web Fuelled Business one-day workshops will take place in various locations across the UK throughout February and March, including London (21-22 February, 28 March) Bristol (29 February), Sheffield (14 March) and Liverpool (20 March).

Events are specifically aimed at new and growing online businesses as well as firms that want to use the web more effectively – with training set to cover topics such as e-commerce and search engine optimisation, as well as social media marketing and Government support for small firms.

Once firms have completed the one-day course, they will also be able to access a series of free online video classes to advance their training.

Forum of Private Business spokesman Robert Downes said that the huge surge in web-based businesses in the UK meant that there was a clear need for training geared to entrepreneurs’ needs.

“Getting ranked on search engines, using social media to boost visitors, web design and functionality – these are all factors that new and existing online traders have to think about,” he said.

“It’s great to see somebody like Doug Richard offering a free service to business owners looking to progress in this rapidly burgeoning market. Indeed, if the UK economy is to grow, create jobs and prosperity, then it will be small businesses like these that will be the driving force.”

Doug Richard said: “Young businesses are the wealth and job creators that will drive us out of this recession, but in order for them to survive, they must use the internet as their lifeline. It gives businesses the potential to become global in just a few clicks.”

To secure a place in one of the workshops, firms simply need to register their details at the Web Fuelled Business website.