A nationwide programme has been launched by high street bank TSB in a bid to help improve the digital expertise of small business owners.
As more and more day to day business tasks move online, small businesses and self-employed workers are seeking greater support to help adapt to the digitalisation of business activities.
In a bid to help provide this support, TSB and Enterprise Nation have joined forces to deliver drop-in clinics across the country, as small business owners look to develop the skills they need to help significantly grow their business.
The project follows on from a pilot last year, where the bank and Enterprise Nation placed digital advisers in high street branches to help assist small business owners in growing their businesses.
The initial trial saw advisers placed in four branches on a fortnightly basis, but following the success of the pilot, this has now been expanded to cover 25 sites across the country.
Advisers in each selected branch will be able to provide advice on marketing, digital and growth strategy and will be available for appointments on the second and fourth Tuesdays of the month.
Existing customers who bank with TSB will receive a digital MOT to help determine where their business requires additional support, as well as being provided with a years’ free membership to Enterprise Nation.
Catherine Douglas, SME banking director at TSB, said: “Digital capabilities are becoming increasingly crucial for small businesses and there are a lot of compelling reasons why firms must find the time to embrace the digital world once and for all.
“With more fundamental services like tax moving to digital submission, and an increasing portion of sales driven from online sources, acquiring digital skills is no longer a choice, but a necessity.
“Small business owners’ needs are changing, and they need a banking partner that goes beyond banking with fresh thinking that will help them start, run and grow their business.”
