Welcoming Google to Northampton for Digital Garage to support local businesses

Businesses from across Northampton were given support on how to boost their online presence at an event organised by Northampton North MP Lucy Rigby to champion local enterprise.

Over 100 businesses and local entrepreneurs joined digital experts from Google for an all-day Digital Garage on Friday, 5 June. Attendees included recognised names such as Commsave Credit Union and Styles of London, alongside future business owners and students from the University of Northampton.

Google Digital Garage is Google’s multi-million-pound investment in free digital skills training for adults in the UK. In the past five years, the programme has trained over one million small businesses and individuals, providing free digital skills.

At the event at the Mercure Hotel, attendees were given guidance on confidently using AI, building businesses online and harnessing social media to boost online presence. It also provided an opportunity for local businesses to network and access one-to-one training from digital engineers.

The Digital Garage was organised and co-hosted by Lucy Rigby MP, as part of her mission to support and promote local business in Northampton – including embracing the latest technology to increase recognition and traffic.

Lucy Rigby KC MP said: “Northampton proudly remains one of the best places to start a business in the UK. I am pleased to have organised this Digital Garage, giving local businesses and entrepreneurs the opportunity to access one-to-one digital skills training.

“As MP for Northampton North, I am always keen to support our local businesses and bring more opportunities like this directly into the community. The amazing turnout from so many businesses and people shows just how enterprising our town is and gives us all confidence in its future. “

Katie O’Donovan, Director of Government Affairs and Public Policy at Google said: Katie “We are delighted to bring Google Digital Garage to Northampton North. AI has captured the imaginations of people across the country, with business owners and individuals keen to learn how to use this transformative technology to take their careers and ventures to the next level. 

Google Digital Garage brings free AI-focused training to every corner of the UK, giving everyone the opportunity to develop invaluable skills that generate nationwide growth.”