A practical and interactive workshop run by Lancaster University Management School between 9am and 3pm on Wednesday, June 4, will demonstrate how SMEs can bring products to market and creatively engage with customers by using social media.

Owners and managers of SMEs who attend the workshop will also learn insights into the different functions of various social media platforms, and how they can be used in an integrated fashion.

The workshop, which is delivered through the Innovation for Growth programme and is fully-funded by the European Regional Development Fund, will also advise on tools that help to save time and also provide an awareness of common pitfalls.

Lubica Strakova, programme manager for Innovation for Growth, said: “Over the last five years social media has grown in importance as a communication tool for businesses, as well as individuals.

“Social media platforms, such as Twitter, Facebook, Youtube, Pinterest and LinkedIn, have huge numbers of users and have become essential cost-effective tools to help boost businesses’ marketing and public relations activities.

“This workshop will give an in-depth overview of how SMEs can take advantage of these fantastic tools to help them grow their business.”

Speakers at the event include:

• Mike Parsons, who spent 40 years as an innovative designer and business owner in the outdoor equipment industry, including being managing director of Karrimor International and founder of OMM Ltd.

• Mary Rose, an innovation specialist at Lancaster University Management School with more than 35 years of experience.

The event, held at Lancaster University Management School, is eligible for North West business to business SMEs with a turnover of less than £45 million.

Places can be registered by contacting Jen Melling at Lancaster University Management School by emailing ifg@lancaster.ac.uk or calling 01524 510769.

More details are available by visiting www.lums.lancs.ac.uk/ifg