INDEPENDENT retailers across the Winchester district are being given a chance to get digital savvy.

Business owners in Alresford, Bishop’s Waltham, Denmead, Wickham and Winchester will have the opportunity to brush up on their digital skills with a range of free workshops.

Run by the Association of Town Centre Management, the three sessions will be run at the Guildhall from 4pm-8pm on February 5, 19 and March 5.

The first session, entitled Understand your customer and digital marketing, covers the important basics of marketing online. The second, Developing your business on-line, gives an introduction to on-line, e-commerce and multi-channel marketing, and the final session, Grow your business through Social Media, gives an introduction to blogs and social media.

Cllr Robert Humby, Winchester City Council Leader, said: “From developing a website to using email marketing and social media, the Digital High Street Skills Programme will equip independent retailers with the confidence, skills and tools they need to benefit from the rapid growth of e-tailing and ultimately increase their bottom line.

“These workshops are one of a number of initiatives that Winchester City Council has introduced to support our independent retailers and market towns.”

Funded by the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills via the Enterprise M3 Local Enterprise Partnership and Winchester City Council, the sessions are free though there will be a cancellation charge of £85 for anyone registered who fails to attend.

For more information visit winchester.gov.uk/business/business-support-advice/training-networking/ or email Jade Moses, economy and arts apprentice, at jmoses@winchester.gov.uk.