STOURBRIDGE MP Margot James is co-hosting a Google workshop to encourage firms to get online and grow their businesses.

The Google workshop will offer free advice for businesses keen to grow their firms on the internet with tips on how to improve web presence, boost traffic and increase business.

It has been organised after a recent study by the Boston Consulting Group indicated businesses with an online presence grow four to eight times faster than those without.

Working with the Federation of Small Businesses, Conservative MP Ms James will be co-hosting the informal Google Juicebar workshop at the Ruskin Glass Centre on Friday November 30 from 3pm to 4.30pm.

The Conservative MP said: “I am delighted that we have been able to invite this national initiative to our local area whose expertise will be of real benefit to small businesses in our area.

“A successful online presence can be a vital tool for businesses based in Stourbridge and successful small businesses mean a strong local economy.

“I hope that as many businesses as possible take advantage of the expertise on offer from Google and sign up to this event.”

Dan Cobley, managing director of Google UK, said: “We know small businesses actively using the internet grow at a much faster rate than those companies with no web presence.

“We hope local businesses in and around Stourbridge will take advantage of this free digital session to understand how important the internet is to their growth, how easy it is to get online and how this can contribute to the economic growth of the wider economy."

Leigh White, manager of the Ruskin Glass Centre based in Wollaston Road, said: “We are thrilled to be hosting these essential business workshops.

“It is imperative that we support businesses in improving their marketing and communication skills in order for them to survive in such a competitive marketplace.”

Workshop places can be booked online at www.gbbo.co.uk/live