Charities and small businesses in Wrexham have been given a digital skill boost with a free training event hosted by Lloyds Banking Group.

The free half-day workshop run in partnership with Business Wales and Town Squared, featured talks from digital experts at Google and Lloyds Banking Group.

Held at the Wrexham Enterprise Hub, it was attended by more than 25 local charities and small businesses.

The workshop included sessions on optimising a website so it is accessible from any mobile device, improving digital presence through social media, online video and Google My Business, staying safe online and using digital technologies to help better manage money.

Lloyds Banking Groups’ latest Business Digital Index showed that almost half (45%) of the region’s small businesses lack basic digital skills and a third (37%) do not have their own website, missing out on the potential benefits of trading online including increasing turnover and overseas trade.

Carys Williams, Lloyds Banking Group’s Ambassador for Wales, said:

“Connectivity in Wales has improved in recent years, and now, we need to make sure that everyone has the digital skills required to unlock the benefits of using the internet. Whether that’s to increase sales, raise awareness or to communicate with friends and family.

“Our latest research found that more than three quarters (82%) of firms aren’t investing in digital skills, and through training like this we’re able to provide free on-the-ground support to help organisations, and ensure the region can prosper.”

The Digital Know How event was hosted by Lloyds Banking Group as part of its Helping Britain Prosper plan, which has seen the Group train one in every four of its colleagues to help people and organisations use the internet to improve their digital skills and financial capability. The Group has committed to providing digital skills training, including training on internet banking, for 2.5 million individuals, SMEs and charities by 2020.