Member Article

Yorkshire network group offers free IT training for the community

A North Yorkshire business networking group is helping local organisations through lockdown by holding regular online Zoom meetings offering business and IT support, digital training, advice, creative ideas, and introductions.

Now, through the support of The Two Ridings Community Fund and the success of its online Zoom meetings, Northallerton Business Network (NBN) is able to provide FREE support and training to local community groups. The group would like to hear from any voluntary sector organisations including community groups, charities, social enterprises, and other types of “not for profit” organisations in Hambleton or elsewhere in North Yorkshire who would be interested in support.

The training is all by telephone or online so can be arranged at a time to suit the needs of your group. It can include use of digital media, online customer care, or digital PR and marketing – anything that helps keep group members socially connected.

Throughout lockdown NBN has been holding regular informal get-togethers, involving a speaker offering business advice, along with group discussion, anecdotes, and laughter and these have proved to be just the tonic that small businesses need to help steer them through these tricky times.

NBN founder, Gill Carnell, says: “Seldom has there been a time when the ability to run online meetings has been more crucial to communication than right now.
Most of our members were already IT savvy, but some were a little reluctant at first. We wanted to ensure that individuals who were less confident with IT weren’t left behind and were still able to connect and get the support they needed. However, with encouragement and a few pointers they soon realised it was actually quite simple and have really embraced it with enthusiasm. This will also equip them well for the future.

“We are now ready to open up our Zoom Zone to support community groups who themselves often work with individuals who might be vulnerable or isolated. It’s all about exploring alternative ways to start conversations, communicate, bring people together and make a difference.”

To find out more, please visit the Northallerton Business Network website.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Kate Slater .