Small to medium sized enterprises (SMEs) in Dorset are invited to participate in a free trial to test innovative ways to improve their productivity through better data management and cyber security practices.

BCP Council is currently looking for 300 SMEs from across the county – and not just Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole – to take part in its Cyber Interventions programme which will test a new innovative eLearning tool.

SMEs completing the trial will also have the chance to win free specialist consultancy and Cyber Essential’s certification.

They will help to identify and measure factors which impact productivity and business growth.

Data will be used to ascertain the best way to teach SMEs to realise the benefits of better digital management and cyber security awareness.

It’s recognised that such businesses are often short of time and assume their growth is not really linked to the cyber and data compliance

The trial will run until June 2020. Businesses signing up early will have a chance to win a three or four night stay at the Bournemouth Beach Lodges.

Cllr Mark Howell, Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Culture, said: “SMEs are a vital part of our economy and we are pleased to be offering this training not just to businesses within the Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole area, but to SMEs from across the wider Dorset business community.

“If you represent a small to medium sized business, within our thriving local economy, I encourage you to take part and support this innovative programme.’’

The trial will be carried out by BCP Council, in partnership with LiMETOOLS Ltd, Bournemouth University and Dorset Cyber Alliance.

It follows a successful funding application for £220,697 from the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy.

The Government’s Business Basics Fund aims to boost business productivity across the UK.

BCP Council were helped in the successful application by Dorset Local Enterprise Partnership’s Bid Writing Service.

For more information and to take part in the trials, please contact: luke.watkins2@bcpcouncil.gov.uk