Digital volunteers out to help town centre businesses

Businesses in Paisley town centre could soon have the help of an army of digital volunteers.

Renfrewshire Council have this month appointed a new digital volunteer coordinator.

And Lauren Gilmour, who started in the post this month, is appealing for town centre businesses to get in touch.

Lauren said: “A lot of smaller businesses are reluctant to sell themselves and their services online. It is so important nowadays for any business to look at its digital profile and make sure it has a strategy for its online presence.

“At the same time, there is a lot of digital expertise in the local community, and a lot of free advice and support out there for a variety of places.

“Part of my job will be matching up our growing network of digital volunteers with businesses who could benefit from their help, and helping these same businesses access other support available.”

Renfrewshire Council Leader Mark Macmillan said: “We are revitalising Paisley town centre with our ambitious museum and museum store investments, new housing developments in the town centre and an expanding events programme which is bringing more people in.

“The digital volunteer programme is another important step in making sure town centres businesses have the maximum opportunity to benefit from our investment. Later this year, we will be expanding free public wi-fi access across our three main town centres and we really do want everyone to participate in a ‘digital Renfrewshire’.

The move has been welcomed by Paisley First BID Manager Andrew Mitchell who said: “We need to work out how Paisley’s businesses can use the internet and social media as a tool to attract people to our town centre, who can then experience the warm welcome that our town centre community has to offer. Assistance to local businesses to improve their IT and marketing skills can only benefit individual businesses and the town centre”.

Businesses or potential volunteers interested in finding out more can contact Lauren Gilmour at Engage Renfrewshire on 0141 887 7707 or email  lgilmour@engagerenfrewshire.com.

Lauren can also be contacted on Twitter @lauren_gilmour1.