FEATURE
Opportunity – Like Us CEO Shak Asghar says the benefits of a new programme could be transformational for businesses .
“ We are now calling for all Teesside businesses to get involved with our digital transformation project , as you will benefit , whether you are already using some digital technology and have some awareness of how it can benefit you , or you are a traditional or old-school business looking to evolve and use digital technology to streamline your processes and grow ,” Shak says .
“ We have a wide range of courses on offer , alongside one-to-one support where we can help to kick-start businesses on their own unique digital transformation journey .
“ We have experts from the likes of Sage coming in to show businesses how they can make tax digital and we ’ re also delivering an entry to e-commerce course aimed at businesses who are new to selling their products and services online .
“ Some of the courses involve design thinking and Lego serious play where you create Lego builds around your ideas and use the model to unpick and visualise your ideas .”
The range of workshops also includes cyber security and IT strategy , a beginners ’ guide to Meta Business Suite and a beginners ’ guide to TikTok .
Workshops also help with business obligations around UKGDPR and the Information Commissioners Office , customer relationship management systems ( CRMs ) and creating your own digital transformation roadmap .
Shak says : “ We will be working with key
brands , thought leaders and experts in their field as we support businesses oneto-one and through our courses .
“ Whether you own a corner shop or you ’ re making widgets in a factory , we can help you to take your business forward using digital technology .”
Like Us is also aiming its services at restaurants and takeaways , beauty salons and barber shops to ensure that as many businesses as possible can be included in the scheme and receive the support they need .
Shak says Like Us also has tradespeople in mind , such as plumbers , gardeners , electricians and joiners , who have historically been somewhat behind the curve when it comes to embracing digital technology .
“ There are lots of tradespeople on Teesside , but they ’ ve never had the support available to them before , to enable them to attend thematic workshops or have deep dive digital audits carried out , which demonstrate how they can grow their business in the digital space ,” Shak says . “ That ’ s where we come in now . “ If you don ’ t have an online presence , we can help you with a free website and demonstrate the tangible outcomes from having one .
“ You might then like to develop your website further and could attract funding to do so .”
Like Us will also be supporting businesses in its studio to create long and short form video content for social media , which could then lead them to apply for funding for their own camera equipment or investing in videography services once they see the benefits .
“ It ’ s almost like a ‘ try before you buy ’ scenario ,” says Shak .
“ We will support you to create some high-quality content and that service will be free to you at the point of delivery .
“ The real-world data it produces could lead to you investing more in this type of marketing , whether you decide to buy your own equipment and create content yourself , or use other marketing specialists such as videographers , social media managers and graphic designers in the local area .”
In this way , Shak believes the digital transformation programme from Like Us has tangible benefits for the Tees business community and the local creative economy , with whom the organisation intends to work closely .
The programme is also available to third sector and charity organisations that economically trade products or services .
For more information or to sign up to the programme , visit like-us . co . uk
The voice of business in the Tees region | 77