EXPERTS from Google have called into Alton to offer businesses free advice and coaching on how to maximise their presence on the internet.

Held at Alton Community Centre, the event was promoted by East Hampshire District Council (EHDC) and Alton Town Council and opened by East Hampshire MP Damian Hinds.

Around 80 people turned out for the Digital Garage workshop, with training tailored to market towns to help traders and small businesses grow and reach new customers beyond their local area.

The bespoke training courses included building a digital marketing plan, showing how to make your business more visible online, and how to create a social media strategy.

In addition, there were a variety of free workshops and face-to-face coaching for anyone with any level of experience. Topics covered included taking your first steps online and building a digital CV.

A spokesman for Google said of the event: “We were delighted to visit Alton as part of our Digital Garage market towns tour and it was great to see such a large turnout on the day.

“Digital skills are essential for doing business today and we want to ensure that everyone has the skills they need to make the most of new technologies to grow their business or career.

“Our markets town tour has thus far visited 10 market towns across the country, and we look forward to visiting a further seven as the tour continues.”

According to Alton Town Council business development manager Julie McLatch, the Google workshops will return to Alton for the New Directions event on October 26.

Taking place from 11am-4pm at Alton College, New Directions is a free event hosted by East Hampshire MP Damian Hinds aimed at highlighting jobs, training and volunteering opportunities for the over-50s.