Farmers, flower growers and fruit and vegetable producers on the Isles of Scilly have been finding out how social media can help their businesses, at a marketing workshop delivered by Rural Focus.
The event was organised by the Isles of Scilly Farmers’ and Growers’ Initiative in response to feedback from attendees of an internet marketing workshop, also delivered by Rural Focus, late last year.
Rural Focus business advisers Caroline Weston and Jon Anderson delivered the workshop, which focused on the basic principles for small businesses to make better use of social media to reach their target market, find new markets and grow their businesses.
Weston said: “The Isles of Scilly Farmers’ and Growers’ Initiative is working hard to access training and support for all the growers and farmers on the islands, and one of the key issues which came up in a recent skills audit was the lack of marketing skills within the various businesses – with social media being one of the main areas where it was felt they could benefit from our advice.”
Feedback following the social media workshop was positive, and several of the businesses attending have booked one-on-one full business reviews with Rural Focus, which will take place in February.
Jess Vian, manager of the Isles of Scilly Farmers’ and Growers’ Initiative, added: “We have had very positive feedback from farmers about both workshops, and we hope to continue working with Rural Focus to deliver business support for the islands’ agricultural sector.”
