Be part of something bigger

Over practical workshops (bring your laptop!) we will examine how Generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) can help revolutionise the creation of content for your digital marketing and wider day to day.

AI isn’t the future, it’s here now, with free tools and systems that can help businesses and organisations of all shapes and sizes, from private sector Start-ups, to public sector learning institutions. AI changes everything!

We’ll cover:

• What is Artificial Intelligence?
• Current AI tools and systems to use right now (including ChatGPT and MidJourney).
• Automating Digital Content for Blogs, Social Media and PR.
• Using AI for business strategy and customer profiling.
• The pros and cons of AI usage.

Part 1 – Generative AI for Visual Content

We know you’ve heard of Artificial Intelligence, but don’t get caught up in the hype – get real practical advice you can implement today using free (or low cost) AI tools like Canva, MidJourney, Adobe Firefly and D-ID to create amazing graphics and videos to help with marketing and promotion. From logos and webpage mock-ups to product prototypes and high-resolution photorealistic masterpieces! Creating visual content is easier than ever before, and we’ll show you how in the first of our workshops.

In advance of this session, attendees are encouraged to create free logins at Canva, Adobe Firefly and D-ID.

To book a place, click here.

This session is ideal for business ready to start advertising on Facebook and Instagram, or for those who have tried and are wondering how to improve and optimise their ads.

If you’ve boosted posts but never quite seen results – or you’re finally ready to starting using Meta Ads like a pro – this practical session is for you. This course is aimed at those in business who are ready to step up their ads on Facebook and Instagram. This course is a practical session and will walk you through the essentials of building effective ad campaigns that convert.

We’ll cut through the jargon and show you how to target the right people, write ads that stop the scroll, and generate leads without wasting your budget.

You’ll learn:

• The difference between boosted posts and real Meta Ads.
• How to create and set up a campaign using Meta Ads Manager.
• Tips for writing ad copy and choosing images that get results.
• Building warm ad cold audiences – who to target and why.
• What makes a good lead generation ad (and how to track it).

This session is focused on action. If you’re ready to get started with Meta Ads – or if you’ve dabbed before but want to get serious – we’ll help you build a foundation that gives you a better return on your spend.

To book a place, click here.

Over 2 practical workshops (bring your laptop!) we will examine how Generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) can help revolutionise the creation of content for your digital marketing.

Part 2 – Generative AI for Text Content

We’ll explore how to generate text using tools like ChatGPT and Google Bard – from social media updates and blogs, to web content, powerpoints and job adverts. Businesses need to write content to help them communicate better, and we’ll show you how the AI can help.

Firstly, we’ll help you join the dots, and use this AI toolkit to help develop and grow your business. From generating ideas and helping with research, to writing strategic business plans and monthly social media content calendars. From creating basic webpages to becoming a spreadsheet and data expert. AI can help with strategic business requirements or day to day admin activities, and this event will show you how AI is fundamentally changing the business landscape.

In advance of this session, attendees are encouraged to create free logins at Chat Open AI and Google Bard.

If you want to develop greater awareness of the impact of AI, or you’re involved in marketing and need to create content on a daily basis, then these workshops are for you. We expect a high demand for these sessions, so please book early, and let us know ASAP if you are subsequently unable to attend.

To book a place, click here.

This workshop is a series aimed at people who are planning to start or have just started a business and need to know the basics of what to do.

Whatever your reason may be for considering being your own boss, Business Gateway is here to support you and this workshop will help you decide if this is the right path for you. We will explore your potential customers, the problems your business can solve for them and how you can do that better than the competition. Once that is clear. we will look at the key activities and costs involved in starting and running the business and tools for determining the commercial viability before considering the main options for business structure (sole trader, partnership, or limited company).

We will look at:

• Personal finance planning – how much do you need to earn?
• Researching your market – to develop an understanding of your market, who your customers are, understanding your competition and what the trends are within your chosen field.
• Business structure – what are the main business structures? How to decide which is right for you and how to register as a business.
• Creating your start-up action plan – an outline.

Attendees will be provided with a PDF copy of the slides and a workbook to complete. We will also signpost you to Business Gateway’s Planning to Start tool which will then direct you to further resources and your local Business Gateway adviser.

To book a place, click here.

This workshop is aimed at new and existing businesses which are looking to use Xero to manage their bookkeeping or would like a refresher on how to use Xero.

Delegates will leave this course with a greater knowledge of what cloud accounting is and how it is beneficial for your business. We will look specifically at the accounting software Xero in detail including how to set up a Xero account, link and reconcile bank accounts, create and personalise sales and purchase invoices, view relevant reports and use contacts feature.

As a result of this session, delegates will be able to:

• Set up a Xero account
• Link and reconcile bank accounts
• Create and personalise sales invoices
• Create purchase invoices
• View relevant reports (Profit and Loss, Balance Sheet, Aged Debtors and Creditors)
• Use contacts feature

To book a place, click here.