Exeter businesses pioneer local Capability Co-operative

The Department for Business Innovation and Skills is encouraging businesses in the area, as part of its Do More Online campaign, to form ‘Capability Co-operatives’.

The aim of the Co-operatives is to ensure that more small businesses and sole traders across the UK are making the most of digital technology. This will help boost their presence among potential customers and enable them to run a more efficient and successful business.

The Capability Co-operative sees digitally savvy micro businesses partner up with another local businesses in order to impart their online knowledge. This includes skills like website optimisation, making the most of social media and even simple things like setting up online banking.

Two businesses in the Exeter area are currently taking part. Hamish the Plumber from Exeter has partnered up with Paul Kent who runs Paul Kent Heating in Exeter.

Hamish Erskine has been working with Paul Kent to develop his website and help direct traffic to it.

Hamish Erskine, said: “As a small business owner I’ve been on a real journey when it comes to making the most of the digital tools out there – all of which have helped to boost my business’ presence and run more efficiently. Not having a digital presence these days would be like not having a phone number. If potential customers can’t see you then they won’t be able to buy goods or service from you.

“When the opportunity to partner with local business people came up, we really thought this was a good way to impart the knowledge we’ve developed. We also wanted to let others know about the support and advice available from Government and the Do More Online website. We really hope we’ll be able to support in making the most of the brilliant digital tools available to them.”

Paul Kent, owner of Paul Kent Heating said: “The Capability Co-operative has really given us some food for thought when it comes to making the most of online. We’re working through the Do More Online website. A lot of the tips on the site and from Hamish come with minimum expense, but could produce big impacts. It’s good to talk to another small business owner but it’s also reassuring to know of the Government support which is out there – particularly through the Do More Online website which offers a huge suite of useful resources for micro businesses like ours.”

The Government’s Do More Online campaign aims to help small businesses improve their digital skills to find more customers, be more efficient, and save money.

To find out how you can do more online visit www.greatbusiness.gov.uk