Manchester City Council has a strategy to become of the world’s leading digital cities by 2020. One of the ways the Council can achieve this is through their Go ON Manchester campaign to help businesses and individuals to get online and improve their digital skills. This is a long term campaign, with the first phase aimed at local businesses and organisations.
Currently only 14 per cent of small businesses sell products and services online. This means that many organisations are missing opportunities to improve sales, generate more business and create new jobs.
Manchester City Council aim to help Manchester businesses to make the best use of digital technologies and remain competitive.
The main objectives of the campaign are to:
• To sign up 600 Digital Champions via Manchester Businesses (encouraging management and staff to volunteer), Residents and internal staff by April 2013 alone
• To demonstrate the Council’s commitment to encouraging digital growth of businesses within Manchester
• Help businesses access digital services, education and training available
• To educate about the benefits of trading online
• To educate about the benefits of accessing faster services
• The Go campaign supports the Councils wider objectives of improving economic growth for the City
What is a Digital Champion?
A Digital Champion can be anyone from any area of work or experience who can make a commitment, large or small, to help individuals or organisations to get online.
All you need is:
• To have basic computer skills you are able to share
• To be confident about using the internet
• To be enthusiastic about the things it can do
• To have the patience to support people, businesses and local organisations that are learning something new
Manchester City Council can also support you in developing your own skills so that you can learn and support others at the same time.
Who needs your help?
Chances are that you already know a person or local business that needs to improve their web presence. If you do, this Go On Manchester will support you to help them. If you don’t, Go On Manchester can link you to local charities, community organisations, social clubs or fledgling businesses.
Further information, visit: www.go-on-manchester.com