OVER 160 local businesses have been given some top tips from the masters at Google about how to grow their online digital presence.

The Google Juice Event was organised by South Lakeland District Council and introduced by Westmorland and Lonsdale MP Tim Farron.

It was held at the Brewery Arts Centre, Kendal, and is part of Google’s national drive to help businesses owners harness new e-skills.

So far, over 250,000 UK firms have been helped.

Those attending the event hailed it a success.

May Crawford, of Kendal-based Different Strokes Painting and Decorating, said: “It has been a really good event. We are already doing a lot online and with social media but this will help us do even more.”

Her firm employed four people in 2007 but now has a workforce of more than 20.

The event was designed for those starting out and creating their first website, through to businesses wishing to improve their online marketing.

Gori Yahaya, head of Google Juice, said 36 per cent of UK businesses had no internet presence but those small and medium-sized firms who had developed digitally had seen eight times faster growth than those who hadn’t.

His presentation included key advice on how to understand your digital customers, how to maximise your online ranking, and make the most of social media.

The event, which was oversubscribed, provided expert advice for delegates on website management, social media marketing, and Google AdWords.

Coun Giles Archibald, portfolio holder for town centres and small business, said: “We are determined to do everything we can to help businesses flourish. This innovative event is just one of many initiatives SLDC is doing to encourage economic growth and enable new jobs.

“We invited Google into this area because it is a world-leader. This will help the 160 businesses who attended to maximise their potential.”

Lawrence Conway, SLDC chief executive, added: “This is a fantastic opportunity for our local businesses. We want to make this area more prosperous for all. It is a key part of our council strategy to encourage economic growth in any way we can”