The Heart of the South West Growth Support Programme (GSP) is launching its new “Adapt + Revive” initiative which aims to equip businesses in the region with vital digital skills to help support economic recovery.

Businesses across Devon, Somerset, Plymouth and Torbay will be offered support and training focusing on digital marketing, e-commerce and website management through the scheme.

A number of training webinars are also being aimed specifically at businesses operating in the tourism, food and drink and retail sectors.

Businesses that have been through the GSP have been able to apply the insights and skills gained through the scheme to greatly improve their business’ practice and digital presence online.

Through the programme, which continues until the end of March, businesses receive an initial 1:1 appointment with a local business adviser who is able to review the existing business’ strategy and identify further support.

After an initial consultation, businesses that qualify for additional support are offered a further nine hours of advice in 1:1 sessions and online webinars, covering a range of essential business topics: finance, human resources, innovation, digital marketing, business planning and e-commerce.

Councillor Rufus Gilbert, Devon County Council’s Cabinet Member for Economy, Skills and Training, said: “The support being offered on digital marketing and online retail through this initiative, has become even more valuable to businesses since the economic downturn caused by the coronavirus pandemic. I would encourage anyone who would benefit from the training to register their interest now.

“We’re really pleased with the number of businesses who have responded positively to the Growth Support Programme since it started. The continued business advice that the Programme offers with be increasingly helpful as businesses continue to navigate the changing economic landscape – especially when considering the implications of Covid-19 and the end of the UK Brexit Transition period next month.”

The Heart of the South West Growth Support Programme project is receiving up to £1,294,302 of funding from the England European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) as part of the European Structural and Investment Funds Growth Programme 2014-2020.

To find out more about the Growth Support Programme, check your business’ eligibility and to register your interest, see the page on the Growth Hub’s website.