Facebook and Be the Business provide free digital training for businesses in the South West

Be the Business, a not-for-profit movement helping every firm in the country improve their performance, is partnering with Facebook to host an event in the South West providing free advice, training and inspiration to micro and small businesses in the wake of COVID-19.

Taking place on 9th September the event will feature leading South West firms including This Mum Runs, Red & Ginger, The Watergate Bay Hotel and Inn Cornwall Limited. Attendees will also receive training from Be the Business and Facebook on using Instagram for business, business finances and innovating your business model.

Crucially, the event aims to help businesses boost their digital skills, provide access to essential resources and get ongoing support to recover and grow.

The impact of the Coronavirus is being felt by businesses around the world. However, Be the Business has uncovered some optimism on the horizon, showing that small firms have adopted technology at unprecedented rates to meet COVID-19 related business challenges, including operating virtual businesses and powering remote workforces. Indeed, Be the Business finds that more than a quarter (27%) of firms in the South West have changed their approach to technology since March, adopting new technologies or intending to 'soon'.

Recent Facebook research showed the pivotal role digital channels are playing in the recovery of small businesses, with 55% of UK small businesses surveyed now making more than a quarter of their sales online.

This event is an integral part of a year-long partnership between Be the Business and Facebook which also includes a messenger bot that guides businesses to bespoke advice and a new national peer group on Facebook where business owners can exchange ideas and advice.

Sir Charlie Mayfield, Chairman, Be the Business said: 'It's a tragedy that it's taken a global pandemic to do it, but we are seeing a huge drive for efficiency, interest in technology and innovation from UK businesses. Our event in the South West will capitalise on that ambition, providing guidance and resources to the firms who need it most. Small businesses will be at the heart of the UK's economic recovery, and Be the Business, alongside our partner Facebook, is committed to helping them succeed."

Steve Hatch, VP for Northern Europe at Facebook, said: "We're committed to doing everything we can to help small businesses in these challenging times. Our tools can help smaller companies trade online and effectively reach new customers around the world so they can create and sustain jobs in [region]. We're delighted to be partnering with Be the Business to offer a programme of tailored advice and training that will help small businesses get the most value from our platforms."

Mark Holden, Managing Director, Inn Cornwall Limited, said: "We started a new pub grub delivery service during lockdown that has sent out over 25,000 main meals to over 10,000 homes.

"A big part of making pub grub a success was using finding new ways to stay in touch with my team and my customers. This was even more crucial because I'm in the high-risk category and have been shielding since the start of lockdown. I look forward to sharing what we learned from the launch with South West businesses on the 9th."

For more information, to register to attend the events and, visit https://www.facebook.com/business/boost/uk-boost-online

For interview with Mark Holden contact: James Gribben, Head of Communications, Be the Business at 7900885721