Support Scheme Saves Businesses Thousands

123 Internet Group, a full-service digital marketing agency in Milton Keynes, have helped local organisations to save £50,000 on essential web services as part of the Growth through Digital Innovation (GDI) voucher support scheme, working in collaboration with NatWest.

Based in Kiln Farm, the agency of 20 marketing specialists fared surprisingly well throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, even managing to grow the company during this period. But for most businesses in Milton Keynes and the surrounding area, key digital projects had to be scrapped, with much of the workforce furloughed, or in the worst cases, made redundant.

123 Internet Group decided that the time was right to give something back to local business, helping those in need to get back on their feet.

In September, the GDI scheme was introduced to empower businesses and charities in their recovery from the pandemic, driving digital innovation and stimulating growth. Also backed by the Milton Keynes and Northamptonshire Chambers of Commerce, local organisations were invited to apply for GDI support, with successful applicants receiving a £1,000 voucher towards online branding and web design services carried out by 123 Internet Group.

The GDI scheme has seen an overwhelming response, with applications from over 20 different industries, including accountancy, health and fitness, HR and recruitment, IT services, legal services, logistics, manufacturing, marketing, mobile catering, and Software as a Service (SaaS). This clearly shows the ripple effect of COVID-19, which has heavily disrupted almost every UK industry.

Scott Jones, CEO of 123 Internet Group, said:

“I’m delighted to see such an amazing response to GDI. It’s clear that there’s a requirement to transition into the digital space, and I’m pleased that we have been able to support so many great businesses and charities on their journey. I also want to thank NatWest and the Chamber for their involvement in the GDI scheme, working closely with our team to deliver such a fantastic initiative to support the local community.”

Accepting GDI scheme applications through their website, 123 have already carried out numerous digital services to help refresh and revive local business. This includes website design and development, crafting bespoke blog content, and boosting lesser-known companies up the SEO ladder with effective organic and paid strategy for better Google rankings. To date, 123 Internet Group have saved GDI applicants over £50,000 in digital marketing costs.

Local charities have also made the most of GDI support to help spur digital growth. TRACK NN, a Northampton-based organisation, will use their £1,000 discount towards crucial website development work, social campaigns and a custom LinkedIn outreach programme to boost lead generation. Creating employment opportunities for people with autism, TRACK provide crucial training, development, and support services for those with a learning disability, also educating businesses on how to make the workplace ASD-friendly.

With the UK in economic recession, the job market is increasingly challenging, making the charity’s work even more critical for autistic people who are struggling to access employment.

The Salvation Army will also receive GDI support. Working with 123 Internet Group, The Salvation Army plan to use their £1,000 discount voucher towards LinkedIn outreach to help them connect more effectively with the right audience, along with getting digital web design projects up and running again. It has always been The Salvation Army’s mission to protect vulnerable people; their work varies from campaigning to end homelessness, to offering practical financial debt advice, to providing specialist support for adult victims of modern slavery. Their work is invaluable to those in need.

Scott added:

“I’m very proud to be able to support such important charities in their time of need. The Salvation Army and TRACK are organisations that are close to my heart, as I’m sure they are for many others. They do so much for the community, it’s rewarding to be able to give
something back.”

The huge success of the GDI scheme has helped to breathe new life into modern business, inspiring digital innovation and exploring more creative marketing methods to engage consumers. 123 hope that the GDI scheme will encourage further opportunities for collaboration between organisations, as we push forward into the new normal and look to a more positive, digitally connected future.

Due to the phenomenal response to the GDI scheme, the closing deadline has been extended until Sunday, November 15. This will give organisations that weren’t previously aware of the scheme one last chance to apply for support, and book in digital project requests to be carried out in 2021.

To apply for the GDI voucher support scheme, visit: www.123internet.agency/gdi