South West sole traders and SMEs are being invited to apply for a newly launched free support programme that aims to make them more successful through better use of digital technology.
Tech Adoption for Growth is being delivered by Business West and TechSPARK, in partnership with the West of England Mayoral Combined Authority (WECA) and funded by UK Government.
Ben Masheder, Programme Manager, Tech Adoption for Growth, said: “The aim is to provide sole traders and SMEs in Bristol, Bath, Somerset, Gloucestershire, Swindon and Wiltshire with practical advice on how to use digital technology to become more efficient, productive and profitable. The ultimate goal is to help them grow.”
SMEs accepted onto the programme will be assigned specialist support through one of two routes. Ben said: “The first will involve one-to-one consultancy with an experienced technology consultant who will provide? tailored practical advice.
“The second will be expert-led peer group workshops, covering AI, cyber security, digital marketing, selling online and other key tech topics. The workshops will address real-world business challenges, while providing the ?opportunity to learn from other businesses and share your own knowledge.”
A previous programme, which ran from March 2024 until the end of 2025, provided 115 West of England SMEs with tailored, in-depth consultant-support, while almost 500 businesses attended 17 workshops.
Ross Gibbens, co-owner of Bristol-based Pinkmans Bakery, a past participant of the programme, said: “Our Instagram followers have increased by 15% and engagement has increased by 30%. Our mailing list has also doubled in size from 2,000-4,000 subscribers, and we have attracted three leads for wholesale. I’d recommend to any business.”
More than a hundred South West businesses have already signed up for Tech Adoption for Growth, but spaces are still available.
Ben said: “It’s a great opportunity for sole traders and SMEs in the South West to learn from leading experts how to get much more from technology, without having to pay consultancy fees. Gaining that knowledge could make a big difference in 2026 and beyond.”
Helen Godwin, Mayor of the West of England, said: “Small businesses and sole traders are a vital part of life in the West. Digital technology is an increasingly important driver of the new jobs they create and the investment they secure here in the country’s fastest growing regional economy.
"Through our Growth Strategy, together we’ve set out a clear ambition to back local businesses to innovate and become even more productive. Building on the foundations of previous digital support programmes, the Tech Adoption for Growth initiative will give more businesses access to practical expertise that helps turn their ambition into real results.”
Sole traders and SMEs can apply for Tech Adoption for Growth here: https://www.smartsurvey.co.uk/s/MediaFeb26/
Your Comments
Be the first to comment on this article
Login or Register to post a comment on this article