With the effects of Covid-19 still wreaking havoc across the county, Wiltshire Council is hoping that its latest initiative will assist businesses in making the most of social media.

The council is funding access to expert digital skills training and social media tools worth more than £400 to make it easier for businesses to get more tech-savvy and help to drive sales.

Cllr Richard Clewer, leader of Wiltshire Council and cabinet member for economic development is hoping that people get on board with the opportunity.

He said: “We’re delighted to work with Maybe* to provide these digital skills training workshops and social media management tools free of charge to Wiltshire businesses.

“As we come out of the pandemic, it’s essential that businesses have an engaging and effective online presence, so I’d urge all Wiltshire businesses to take advantage of this offer to help them gain a digital advantage.”

Figures have recently shown that social media usage could be better in the county, with research conducted by Maybe* showing that 19 per cent of independent high street businesses in the Wiltshire Council area are active on social media, against a UK average of 24.4 per cent.

Meanwhile, 40 per cent of consumers in England say that they are spending more than three hours a day on social media.