Barclays is launching a new 'Boosting Business Online' seminar in Birmingham on Monday 11th April to help the growing number of firms looking to market their way out of the downturn. 

Leading international digital expert Josh Spear and Matt Brittin, MD of Google's UK and Ireland Operations will be joined by local digital savvy entrepreneurs to provide advice and support on everything from building a great website through to digital marketing. They will also give practical tips on how start-ups and existing businesses can harness the power of online and social media to grow their businesses. To register or for more information, visit www.barclays.co.uk/boostingbusiness.

The seminars come in the wake of research from Barclays showing the continuing entrepreneurial spirit of UK businesses, with nearly two thirds of small firms planning to expand with new marketing strategies to help beat the downturn1. Web based businesses are expecting greater profit increase than traditional "bricks and mortar" businesses, shedding further light on the importance of the internet for business. 

Jeremy Stockdale, Head of Local Business in the Central region said: "Barclays Boosting Business Online seminars aim to provide credible help and support to anyone who has a new or existing business and wants to take advantage of online opportunities. Speaking at the seminars will be successful local business people who will offer practical advice and tips in order to inspire and connect budding and existing entrepreneurs. Despite a series of challenging barriers experienced by SMEs in the recovery, expansion into new markets and increase in marketing and sales are viewed as key strategies to overcome adversity in the recovery.

"The sessions will be interactive and engaging, where delegates will be able to learn from people who have been there and done it."

Attendees will also receive news of Barclays Business Take One Small Step business competition which is open for entries until April 27 and seeks to reward the freshest business ideas up and down the UK with substantial cash prizes.  The competition encourages everyone ranging from a well-established business to those with just a great business idea to enter and win one of nine prizes worth £50,000*.

Designed to help turn new business ideas into reality, the Barclays Boosting Business Online seminars complement the free advice and support offered via Barclays long established Let's Talk seminar programme and follow on from last year's successful Ready For Growth seminars.  

For more information regarding the seminars and to register for your nearest event visit www.barclays.co.uk/boostingbusiness. For more information on the competition visit www.takeonesmallstep.co.uk.

*Terms and conditions apply. We'll deposit the first £10,000 into a Barclays Business Account. After that our Barclays Business Managers will work with winners to help them make the best use of the money within the first 12 months to boost their business idea.