A former Dragons’ Den investor has teamed up with Vodafone to launch V-Hub, a new platform designed to help small businesses develop their digital capabilities.
Piers Linney has partnered up with the operator to assist the businesses during the coronavirus pandemic.
V-Hub will offer users one-on-one support with unlimited free access to V-Hub throughout the pandemic.
The service will also teach users how to create a website and best maximise online sales opportunities.
Linney will be providing informative content for the V-Hub platform, according to Vodafone.
The V-Hub has been launched based on research conducted by Vodafone.
This research found that 77 per cent of small businesses are aiming to better utilise digital tools, while 82pc need to grow their online presence.
While an additional 40pc said a lack of online sales knowledge has held them back during this pandemic.
The V-Hub provides content on how to build an online presence, online security and remote working.
Entrepreneur and Vodafone V-Hub advisor Linney commented: “As the economy continues to steer itself through the Covid-19 crisis, businesses will be more reliant than ever on being online – many small businesses need to upskill, not just to make the most of being online, but to do it safely and securely. Digital skills in the current climate could prove essential to their survival.”
Vodafone UK director Anne Sheehan added: “It is so important to the UK that the small business community makes it through this crisis.
“We’ve made broadband and Microsoft 365 free for six months, and now we’re providing free access to guidance that can help businesses build their online presence, or get online for the first time.”