Google Digital Garage hailed a success

A partnership between Google and the Library of Birmingham to help businesses improve their digital presence has resulted in 2,500 city companies receiving training.

Google’s Digital Garage ‘pop up’ has been based in the library for six months and is due to end its temporary placement on Christmas Eve.

An independent report on the model, which was also running in Leeds, shows the impact across both cities’ businesses:

• 88% have made changes to the way they run their businesses online.
• 90% had made changes to the way they promote their business online
• 80% say they’re very happy with the changes made
• 49% had seen an increase in website visitor numbers.
• 32% had seen an increase in customer numbers.
• 27% had seen more sales or bookings
• 9% have hired additional staff to manage their digital work
• 80% say their confidence has increased as a result of attending the Digital Garage

Councillor Penny Holbrook, cabinet member for skills, learning and culture, said: “This is one of many successful collaborations with the Library of Birmingham and shows not only that organisations want to come to Birmingham, but that they want to work with the city council.

“Birmingham is a great place for start-ups and we are determined that the city becomes the enterprise capital of the country and a vital centre of the digital economy.”

Ends