A free workshop has been held to help independent businesses in Tendring elevate their digital presence.
The exclusive event was part of the trailblazing Tendring Made initiative which has included the launch of a new website – tendringmade.co.uk – to showcase the best of the district’s creative businesses.
Presenters of the Digital Skills Workshop offered top tips for digital success including discussing the importance of branding, social media strategy and customer engagement.
The event suggested actions which can be implemented straight away as well as the opportunity to speak directly with industry specialists.
The workshop was held at the Freeport East Harwich Innovation Hub on Tuesday 20th January and was voted an outstanding success.
Sam Luxford, who runs NaviStitch in Manningtree, where she combines her love of the coast, navigational charts and crafting, said: “It was really useful and a good refresher.
“There was some handy advice on how to help businesses including how better to use video and the importance of being authentic.”
John Rendle-Grist, owner and director of Chapters coffee and wine in Bradfield, added: “The workshop was very good. The presenters were clearly knowledgeable in their subject areas and there were some good ideas.”
The Tendring Made initiative is part-funded by the government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.
Its new website is now live highlighting some of the independent businesses which are the economic lifeblood of the district.
They include Clacton Pier and the Century cinema in Clacton which both offer hours of top quality family entertainment while others, such as Brightlingsea Museum and Short and Sweet confectioners in Dovercourt, take visitors on a trip down memory lane with a welcome serving of nostalgia.
The website also highlights the area’s talented crafters, gifted artisans, delicious eateries, delis and cafes as well as excellent bakers and art galleries.
Julian Read, KAT Marketing’s Head of Content, who was one of the presenters at the workshop, said: “Tendring is blessed with a plethora of fantastic businesses which give the area its unique identity.
“However, in some cases they do not yet have a strong digital presence and we wanted to assist them in getting their message out to a wider audience.
“We hope the workshop will have given them some good ideas.”
The Tendring Made website is at tendringmade.co.uk.
