Partner Article

Facebook launch SME initiatives

Facebook have announced the launch of a series of initiatives to help small businesses reach potential new customers.

Britain will be the first country in Europe to benefit from the advertising credits programme, which is designed to help businesses to reap the full benefits of social media. Recent research by Deloitte indicated that Facebook and mobile applications have contributed an estimated £2.2 billion to UK GDP, and has generated 18,400 jobs in small businesses across the UK.

Simon Milner, Facebook’s UK and Ireland Policy Director said: “Many small businesses have thrived despite difficult economic conditions in recent years, thanks to savvy entrepreneurs spotting the opportunity to benefit from new technologies which bring people closer together.

“We want more businesses to prosper in this way, which is why we are rolling out this series of initiatives to give all businesses, whatever their digital experience to date, the confidence to use Facebook as an efficient and highly rewarding platform for growth.”

Businesses can benefit from from Facebook’s free pages by building loyalty amongst existing fans and connecting with the 30 million UK members. As well as giving free advertising space, Facebook have also published information about the opportunities available on the site through a free downloadable guide - “Boost Your Business with Facebook”. The guide offers all the practical advice needed to build and maintain a Facebook page, engage fans and master advertising.

Business and Enterprise Minister Mark Prisk MP said: “It is fantastic to see Facebook and the British Chamber of Commerce working together to give SMEs the tools and knowledge in technology they need to help them innovate and grow.

“The rapidly changing world of technology means that SMEs need to keep pace so they can connect with customers in the UK and abroad and continue to promote British business.

“We have some of the most innovative SMEs in the world and we want to make the UK the best place on the planet to start and grow a business.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Ruth Mitchell .