PRESS RELEASE
Monday, 13 June 2011
For immediate release

Bringing in the business with social media

Truro’s retailers are joining the social media revolution following a practical training session in Lander Gallery, Lemon Street Market hosted by Truro Chamber of Commerce, Cornwall College Business and Cornwall Retail Skills.

The workshop, led by social media consultant Aren Grimshaw, introduced the city’s retailers to the variety of networks available, and provided ideas on how to use them to improve customer service and better meet the needs of local shoppers.

“From talking to Cornwall’s retailers, we know they already recognise the opportunities of social media for business,” explained Kath Walker, Business Development Advisor from Cornwall College Business. “But they’re unsure which platform to use, and how best to make it work, so this evening’s event tackled those questions head on.”

The session included examples of how national chains are already using Facebook, Foursquare, blogging and Twitter successfully, giving delegates plenty of inspiration to put into practice for their own shops.

“We were delighted with the turnout,” said Jo Lake, from Cornwall Retail Skills, referring to the 40 delegates who attended, “Many of our local stores are keen to engage more with customers, and social media is a great way to do that. The feedback from tonight has been excellent and I look forward to ‘following’ more of the county’s retailers online in the near future!”

Aren Grimshaw, who presented, will be delivering on Cornwall College Business’s marketing course from this September, where he will build on the practical steps needed to develop a social media strategy that works.

“This type of event helps us evaluate local business training needs,” said Dave Linnell, Principal of Cornwall College, “so we can better develop courses that meet those needs. Working with specialists like Aren, our clients can be sure that programmes include the latest industry developments and give them the skills to put into practice right away.”

Cornwall College Business will be offering more in-depth training in marketing strategy at its annual marketing conference on 21st June. In partnership with Pirate FM, Bang! 2011 will cover customer communication, social media, customer service and working with the media, as well as sharing the results of an insightful piece of consumer research conducted earlier this year in Cornwall.

The last few tickets for Bang! 2011 are still available so if you’d like to attend, you’re not too late – see www.ccb.cornwall.ac.uk or call 0800 731 7594 for details of how to book.

Notes to the editor:

1. Cornwall College Business (CCB) is part of the Cornwall College Group; it delivers business skills training, professional qualifications, consultancy and apprenticeships to businesses throughout Cornwall and Devon.

For further media details, please contact Lucy Thornton, Marketing Manager for Cornwall College Business on 01726 226636 or email lucy.thornton@ccb.cornwall.ac.uk.