Free online help for small businesses in Leeds during coronavirus crisis

Masterclasses, tips and advice have been made available to young businesses in the form of 15-minute video tutorials on the Digital Learning Hub, a free resource developed by academics at Leeds Beckett University and business support programme AD:VENTURE.

The hub covers topics including business planning, sales, leadership skills, marketing and pricing and also includes tasks to put the learning into practice.

It is aimed at businesses across the Leeds City Region from pre start-up to three-years-old and can be accessed on any PC or mobile device.

Kirstie Frenneaux, Leeds Beckett University project manager, said: “The Digital Learning Hub was being developed before the COVID-19 outbreak, but in light of the current situation and the crippling effect it is having on our small businesses, it’s more important than ever that these resources are available.

“The masterclasses will provide an opportunity for growing business leaders to continue learning and planning during these challenging times and ensure that they are prepared for when the region begins to recover from this pandemic.”

The Digital Learning Hub has been developed in partnership with Candle Digital, an online learning provider based in Halifax.

Mark Langdale, co-director at Candle Digital, said: “We can’t recommend AD:VENTURE or Leeds Beckett University enough. The support we have received is far beyond anything we could ever have expected. We would suggest to any start-up or young business that they investigate the advice, guidance and sessions that are on offer and make the most of them.”

For more details on the Digital Learning Hub, businesses should register onto the programme at www.ad-venture.org.uk/register.