From Tinder Foundation's Rural Challenges, Digital Solutions event on 6th July 2015

1. Supporting SMEs in rural
areas
Jamie Mortimer
6th July 2015

2. Jamie Mortimer
• Innovation and Technology
Manager
• Currently leads the Computer
and Technology curriculum and
drives the use of Learning
Technology and eLearning in
Realise Futures Learning and
Development.

3. • Realise Futures Learning and Development
• RFLD offers a wide range of courses to develop new skills, gain
confidence, adapt to life changes or achieve recognised
qualifications.
• We give you the support you need:
• Learn new skills to make life choices
• Help you lead a healthy and active lifestyle
• New opportunities for employment or further study
• Financial and practical support
• Accredited and non-accredited courses
About us

4. Who are you?

5. Norfolk and Suffolk
• Small businesses are the lifeblood of our economy –
accounting for more than 95 per cent of businesses in the
area.
• It is estimated that there are more than 54,000
enterprises in the area, with more than 90% of them
employing less than 20 people, and that employers are
not always aware of the skills they need, and what
training is available.
• New Anglia LEP believe to unlock the potential in our key
sectors and to create new jobs and businesses requires
focussed investment by local partners to ensure business
has a supply of skilled workers and the right support to
grow.

6. • Realise Futures Learning and Development
• RFLD offers a wide range of courses to develop new
skills, gain confidence, adapt to life changes or achieve
recognised qualifications.
• We give you the support you need to:
• Learn new skills to make life choices
• Help you lead a healthy and active lifestyle
• New opportunities for employment or further study
• Financial and practical support
• Accredited and non-accredited courses
About us

7. • Training Needs Analysis
• Workshop with SMEs to conduct a TNA
• Coaching on site to develop an action plan
• Workshop developing strategies develop staff
New Anglia LEP project

8. • Tinder Foundation
• Prince’s Countryside Trust
• Free consultation for rural SMEs offering advice and
support on using digital technology and the internet
• Further support
• Entry and exit surveys and an assessment of general
digital skills
Digital Advice Hub Project

9. • Loyalty
• Those that engage value what you do for them
• They will promote you to others
Our successes

10. • your normal marketing won’t work
• Free doesn’t mean a business is onboard
• Establish your credibility fast
• Have your elevator pitch ready
• Nothing works as well as a personal conversation
...and our lessons learned

11. Stories

12. Carrie Dye
Christmas Festivals

13. Micheal Hardwick
Local Garage

14. David Tolliday
Museum of East Anglian Life

15. Recommendations

16. Any questions?

17. Jamie Mortimer
jamie.mortimer@realisefutures.org
@GeekyLearner
https://uk.linkedin.com/in/geekylearner