BUSINESS owners had the chance to find out if their digital skills were keeping pace with the the social media era when an expert gave guidance in Devizes.

Around 50 people were at Devizes Corn Exchange to hear social media author and digital consultant David Taylor give a talk highlighting the need to embrace Facebook and Twitter.

He pointed out how Donald Trump had used social media to speak to people who do not respond to the more traditional methods of spreading a message at the Digital Health Check organised by the Federation of Small Businesses.

Regional Vice Chair Iain Wallis, who is a fourth-generation Devizes business person and runs a catering business and teddy bear shop, said “It has always been important for businesses to understand how to talk to their potential customers.

"When my grandfather was in business in the town this was relatively easy as shop keepers and business owners knew most of the people who visited them, there was far less competition from supermarkets, and of course, no internet shopping.

"In the modern world, we don’t have the choice to ignore digital communication and with 99.6 per cent of all Wiltshire businesses being classed as small or medium enterprises it is essential that organisations like the FSB support these firms to learn the skills required to communicate with our current, and future, clients.”

Guy Perkins, of Bluestone Gallery in Old Swan Yard, said “I was attracted to the digital health check as I wanted to learn more about social media. It has been very useful and I would be interested in attending similar future events."

Mr Wallis said “It is important that people see that small business isn’t older men in chauffeur driven cars, we are members of the local community and tend to reflect the make-up of that community far better than big business”.

The next FSB regional event will highlight the contribution of Women in Business and will be held at Stourhead, near Warminster, on March 30. Contact Iain@wallismarquees.co.uk