‘Speed networking’, the business world’s answer to speed dating, came to Calderdale at an event to celebrate the end of a four-year project which has helped over 225 small local businesses to flourish by developing their ICT (information and computer technology) skills.

The ‘Urban ICT Breakthrough Project’, has been a £110,000 programme providing free ICT training and qualifications to small and medium sized enterprises in Halifax. Funded by the European Regional Development Fund through Action Halifax, it has been delivered on site or at local centres by tutors from Step Training, the service to business arm of Calderdale College. Thirty businesses attended the evening to celebrate and take part in a lighthearted trial of speed networking.

“Speed networking gives two businesses three minutes to get to know each other before moving swiftly on to the next candidate”, said Naseem Aqeel, project leader at Calderdale College. “It’s fun, could be useful and has certainly broken the ice. We may even do it on a regular basis.”

“It’s been tremendously rewarding to see what a big impact the ‘Urban Project’ has had on people who may never have switched on a computer before and who can now use one to build up customer databases, handle stock control and manage spreadsheets”, she continued. “Although this project has come to an end, small businesses can still contact us at Step Training on 399334 to find out about free IT courses.”

Shona McInnes, of ‘Leadlines Stained Glass Studio’ which operates from a small business unit in High Royd Well, has learnt how to use her computer to produce magazine ads, fliers, leaflets, stationery and business cards. “I’ve just moved back here from Scotland and need to build up a new client base”. She explained. “I couldn’t afford to pay a graphic designer and learning new IT skills has enabled me to build up my business”.

Other companies to benefit include Halifax Travel in Gibbet Street and a cloth business in the Borough Market owned by Lynn Bolton who has been able to use her new found skills on Photoshop to sell products on e-bay and check trade markets on the web.