Free website workshops at East City Library

Manchester City Council is offering a series of free practical workshops in developing an online business, which will run for five weeks at East City Library from Tuesday 18 November.

Taught by industry professionals, the workshops are designed for small businesses. They are a great opportunity to meet and network with other North and East Manchester small businesses and to hear firsthand the experiences of business owners who are selling online profitably.

Running between 5:30pm and 7:45pm the sessions are as follows:

• What makes a good website - 18 November
• Choosing the right payment system for your business and your clients - 25 November
• Attracting customers to your site - Part 1: Marketing and Social Networks - 2 December
• Attracting customers to your site - Part 2: Search Engine Optimisation & Advertising - 9 December
• Stay Legal - what you should know when selling goods and services online - 16 December

Sue Murphy, Executive Member for Employment and Skills at Manchester City Council said: "In the current economic climate it is more important than ever for small businesses to get the most out of their marketing budgets and to develop new markets. Online business is growing and Manchester City Council is supporting businesses already trading online who want to increase trade and those who plan to start using the internet for the first time."

Places are limited to 20 for each workshop with no more than two people from one company and will be booked on a first come first served basis, with preference given to businesses with a Manchester postcode.

The workshops have been developed by the Manchester Digital Development Agency (MDDA), Manchester City Council's digital development organisation which is committed to designing and delivering the digital strategy for the city.

To book call Lyn Hadfield or Val Swinbourn on 0161 234 1995, email: businessinfo@manchester.gov.uk

For more visit http://www.manchesterdda.com/

MEDIA CONTACT:

Clare Mount, Press Office, tel: 0161 234 3729