Women urged to switch on for business success
A Government-backed initiative has launched in Devon and Somerset to encourage women business leaders and female entrepreneurs to adopt digital technology to grow their businesses.
The LOVE Digital project, part of the ‘Get up to Speed’ support programme designed to help businesses and communities across Devon and Somerset improve their computer and technology skills, aims to empower women-led businesses and women thinking of starting a business. It is hoped greater use of technology will help create more female entrepreneurs to close the current gap between men and women when it comes to setting up their own companies.
The LOVE Digital initiative – financially backed by the Government Equalities Office – will see a series of free events across the region, and provide easy-to-access information online, to support women in honing their digital skills.
A snapshot survey carried out by LOVE Digital shows that while female business leaders and entrepreneurs in the region understand the difference technology could make to them, many believe it is too time consuming or jargon-heavy to get to grips with.
The survey showed that while 78% of female entrepreneurs believe that new technology will make their lives easier, 67% say they don’t know what is available or how it can help them. Over half of respondents (58%) are being held back from growing their businesses using technology because they say they have not got time to wade through jargon to understand it. In addition, 40% of respondents to the LOVE Digital survey said that a better understanding of technology would boost their confidence to grow their existing business, or to start a new one.
LOVE Digital has been working with female business leaders, who are already enjoying the benefits of technology, to produce a selection of video case studies. These showcase how they are using digital technology to boost their businesses. Claire Bragg, who runs Frogmary Green Farm in South Petherton, Somerset is in no doubt that without technology, things would be very different when it comes to growing and rearing quality food.
Claire says: “We produce indoor reared chicken to the Freedom Food standard. Technology controls everything from the ventilation in the chicken shed to the heat and humidity, to food and lighting. It gives us the time to do other work, makes us more efficient and more profitable. I have seen first hand the difference that technology has made to my working life and am keen to inspire other women in business to do the same.
“My top tips would be to invest in the future and to not be afraid of change which is the only constant when it comes to farming. I would also say, ask for help – help and advice is available.”
The LOVE Digital initiative will deliver free support and advice to female entrepreneurs at the following series of two-hour workshops taking place across the region. All events start at 10am and include lunch:
27 February: The Mendip Hub, Wells
10 March 2015: The Watermark, Ivybridge
13 March 2015: The Hollies, Martock
17 March 2015: Taunton Racecourse
23 March 2015: Beach Hotel, Minehead
At each event, women will receive expert advice on making use of the Cloud, learn top tips for e-marketing, discover the best platforms for selling online and explore handheld devices and applications to support their business functions.
LOVE Digital is also hosting a one-off all day digital conference for female entrepreneurs on 6 March 2015 at Exeter Racecourse.
The event, which is free to attend, will be a unique opportunity to discover the very best in technology to support new and growing businesses. Nicole Yershon, Director of Innovative Solutions at Ogilvy will deliver the keynote speech, giving attendees a rare chance to hear first hand from one of the UK’s female digital business leaders.
Andrew Leadbetter, Cabinet Member for Economy and Growth, Devon County Council, who has been supporting the development of the LOVE Digital programme said: “With faster broadband, businesses across Devon and Somerset can boost their productivity, communicate more efficiently, improve their service and open the door to doing business overseas.
"It’s vital for the economic growth of the region that we grasp with both hands the opportunities afforded by digital technology and it’s crucial we ensure that relevant and timely support is available to enable businesses across the region to do so.
"We know that women-led businesses are currently under-represented, not just here in the south west but across the UK, so programmes like the LOVE Digital initiative will help give female entrepreneurs the support they need to boost their businesses in the digital age.”
Councillor David Hall, Somerset County Council, Deputy Leader, said of the programme: “Equipping businesses with the knowledge and confidence to use digital technology to develop is an essential part of our economic success. The LOVE Digital initiative is a great opportunity to support women-led businesses in Devon and Somerset in their journey to growth.”
Funding for the LOVE Digital programme has been secured via the national Women and Broadband Challenge Fund. This fund has been put in place to boost the capacity of broadband projects, to develop activity that encourages women-led businesses or potential female entrepreneurs to take advantage of superfast broadband and to expand or set up new businesses, including home-based businesses.
Full details and booking information for all LOVE Digital events can be found at www.connectingdevonandsomerset.co.uk/events.
Photo: Cllr Andrew Leadbetter is joined by local businesswomen Claire Bragg (left) and Anita Corbin to urge women-led businesses in the Devon and Somerset to think more digital for greater success.
