Digital skills training for city centre businesses

Traders at Leeds Kirkgate Market are being given the chance to develop their digital skills by taking part in a new training programme.

Working with local trainers Leeds Boost, Leeds City Council is offering a free 12-month training and support package to all traders in the market to improve their digital skills and help develop their businesses online.

The training is being tailored to help traders reach new audiences and provide greater opportunities to promote their businesses in the digital world.

The course will include guidance on building a digital marketing plan, as well as how traders can make their businesses more visible online. There will also be a variety of free workshops, face-to-face coaching and online video guides to help traders drive footfall to their stalls and businesses.

Leeds Boost carried out a successful pilot of the programme at the market between November and January, which is now being followed up with the further scheme.

Councillor Asghar Khan, Leeds City Council’s deputy executive member with responsibility for markets, said: “People like the vibrancy and community spirit offered by markets, but digital technologies are changing the way people shop.

“The market service ran a pilot scheme with help from 14 traders to find out the level of support needed. This valuable insight helped shape the next 12 months of support for all Leeds Kirkgate Market traders.

“Initiatives like this are about giving our market traders the right tools to unlock big opportunities.

“We are committed to helping traders grow their businesses and want to offer as much support as we can to evolve their digital skills in a competitive retail market.”

Traders who took part in the pilot scheme said they valued what they had learned about how to improve the promotion of their businesses.

Simon Oakley, at Adam & Eco Soap Shop, within Leeds Kirkgate Market said: “Leeds Boost highlighted the importance of getting ‘with the times’ when it comes to businesses raising their profile on social media.

“They provided help and encouragement to expand what I was already doing and inspired me to try new things like making short video clips to promote my product.”

Tommy Cummings, at Herbsville Herbal Remedy Shop, said: “Leeds Boost helped me update my presence online which was limited. Their knowledge is amazing, and they give good advice and are always available to offer help when needed.”

Simon McCaskill, Lead Trainer at Leeds Boost, said: “This is a great initiative from the market team.

“We are delighted to be given the opportunity to go back into the market and work with the traders over the next 12 months.

“Digital is a tool for all, it’s about tapping into what works for you and your business, and we are excited about supporting the market traders and providing them with the knowledge and skills to help them grow.”