A free suite of support from North Tyneside Council is giving businesses in Wallsend the opportunity to enhance their digital presence.
Digital Wallsend is a new, fully-funded initiative offering support to local businesses – helping to spot new market opportunities, explore new ways of working, and engage with their customers.
Digital Wallsend is delivered by North Tyneside Council in partnership with Advance Northumberland, thanks to funding from the North of Tyne Combined Authority’s Town and High Streets Innovation Programme.
In January 2022, the North of Tyne Combined Authority allocated up to £1.9 million for a chosen high street in the three local authority areas.
It forms part of North Tyneside Council’s Ambition for Wallsend plan, which is built around three key priorities.
Making the town centre and its neighbourhoods great places to visit and live by improving the street scene and public spaces and working with partners to make sure people feel safe.
Making improvements to the quality of housing in the town by renovating poor-quality properties and building new homes.
Connecting residents to good jobs through further education, transport infrastructure and putting Wallsend on the map for employers.
Delivered as part of the Council’s Business Factory, the team behind the initiative will work alongside businesses to create personalised plans and introduce digital tools in their day-to-day work.
This could be an introduction to digital marketing campaigns and paid for advertising, ranging from Google, Facebook, X and other social platforms. Eligible businesses will work alongside digital marketing experts to design and deliver a campaign centred around increasing the online reach of their business.
For businesses who already use digital tools and applications, but maybe aren’t as confident, there will be the opportunity to work alongside an expert on a ‘digital audit’. This will look at the work currently being done and look for opportunities to grow or work to improve on certain aspects of their digital offer.
Cllr Carl Johnson, Deputy Mayor of North Tyneside, said: “We know a lot of businesses would like to be more digital, but it can be a challenge without the right knowledge and experience. That’s why we’re introducing Digital Wallsend to help businesses on this journey.
“There are so many fantastic businesses in Wallsend and the town centre in particular, so we want to be able to support them to thrive and reach their goals, bringing more footfall to Wallsend.
“This new support will allow us to give local businesses the tools and opportunities to grow their own brands, setting them on their way and giving them a platform to enhance the great work they do.”
Robin Earl, Group Executive Director of Advance Northumberland Limited said: “We are very proud to be supporting North Tyneside Council and the North of Tyne Combined Authority in the delivery of this important initiative.
“Enabling local businesses to maximise their potential will deliver lasting benefits across Wallsend and beyond.”
Information on the criteria and registration process can be found at www.digitalwallsend.com.
More information on North Tyneside Council’s Ambition for Wallsend can be found here.
