Google boss encourages businesses to learn digital skills

Businesses are being encouraged to enter the digital world by Google Managing Director for the UK and Ireland, Eileen Naughton.

Naughton was discussing Google’s Digital Garage, a programme that aims to provide training opportunities to help people develop digital skills, at a conference in Newcastle.

Training

The programme has already provided help for businesses. Naughton stated that over 88 per cent of those who used it changed the way they promoted their business online, whilst over 65 per cent saw an increase in sales, web traffic, and a bigger social media following.

The company created the scheme after research showed that employers are struggling to find staff with the right digital skills. The initiative aims to provide help and training to 250,000 people by the end of this year.

According to Naughton, it is estimated that 70 per cent of businesses have difficulty making sense of the web and its power to drive their business.

Innovation

Shadow Minister for Culture and the Digital Economy and MP for Newcastle Central Chi Onwurah commented on the scheme. She said: “I don’t think anyone could argue with the contribution Google has made [to] the digital economy and our lives through the fantastic innovation it brings.”

The Digital Garage was launched in Newcastle at a conference at Newcastle Library. The scheme is being run in partnership with the library, Newcastle City Council, the North East LEP, and the North East Business IP Centre.