A CONFERENCE is taking place later this month in Bradford for small and medium sized businesses across the Leeds City Region to provide businesses with technology support.

The Digital Knowledge Exchange is part of the established Digital Enterprise programme, and SMEs are invited to attend the event on Thursday, September 28.

The conference will run from 9am to 4.30pm at LIFE Centre Events in Wapping Road, Undercliffe, and is fully funded by the European Regional Development Fund in partnership with local authorities in Yorkshire.

Digital skills specialists and expert trainers will deliver sessions to help businesses make the most of online technologies, and showcasing what is possible in the digital marketplace.

Practical help will be provided on topics such as search engine optimisation, Facebook, video marketing, general data protection regulation, CRM automation, and more.

Businesses which attend will also be able to find out about the full programme Digital Enterprise offers, including a range of digital and technology focused workshops, one-to-one mentoring, and access to a variety of online resources.

Beth Hewitt, senior project manager of the Digital Knowledge Exchange, said: “As a result of businesses participating in the Digital Knowledge Exchange programme, businesses will become much more aware of how to use digital channels and solutions to grow their business.

"They will also become more confident about making an investment in the most appropriate digital solutions that supports their development goals and aspirations.

"We hope many businesses will take up the excellent free business support on offer."

Muz Mumtaz, programme manager for Digital Enterprise, added: “We are very excited about the launch of the Digital Knowledge Exchange service.

"It is a central component of the Digital Enterprise mission; to help small to medium sized businesses achieve digital transformation and growth through the better use and understanding of digital solutions.”

Roger Marsh OBE, chairman of the Leeds City Region Enterprise Partnership, said: "I very much welcome this additional support for business across the region to invest in digital technologies, improve their knowledge and boost growth.

"The digital sector is key to creating jobs and a strong city region economy and this new programme will further support this thriving sector.”

The Digital Growth Voucher Scheme, which received almost 500 applications in its first phase, will also be restarted, and Mr Mumtaz will deliver a session about phase two and the key changes included in it.

To find out more and book a free place at this event in Bradford contact the Digital Enterprise Team on 0113 426 0535, or email knowledge@digitalenterprise.co.uk.