A council team which has helped businesses boost digital skills has won an award.

The Dorset Councils Partnership won the Federation of Small Businesses 2018 award for ‘Most Innovative Small Business Friendly Programme, Campaign or Project.’

The winning project was the local Google Digital Garage initiative, driven by the partnership’s digital and economy teams.

Based at South Walks House in Dorchester, it helps the local business community boost digital skills.

Topics include learning how to use web analytics to measure online performance, as well as successfully communicating with customers via social media and learning how to stay protected against cyber threats.

The digital garage events are taught by industry professionals and also double up as a sociable networking opportunity.

During the events, the council’s economic regeneration team and business support partners are available to answer any questions about business in Dorset, and can advise on grants, planning and financial queries, as well as being able to put people in touch with external partner agencies that may be able to provide further business support.

Cllr Mary Penfold, West Dorset District Council’s portfolio holder for enabling, said: “We are delighted to have the efforts of our collaboration with Google Digital Garage recognised.”

Supporting local business is one of our top priorities as a partnership and a focus that we will carry on to the new authority.

We are delighted to say that we have a second collaboration with Google lined up for October 19.

As ever, the event is free and will offer an exciting and new agenda of digital training.”

To sign up to the event in October, visit www.eventbrite.co.uk and search for Dorset Councils Partnership.