DIGITAL experts Chris Morris and Rachel Hatfield, the co-founders of Shoo Social Media, held a conference called Digital U at Denton Hall, Ilkley this week.

Designed to help Ilkley businesses develop and grow, the programme included seminars exploring some of the biggest issues facing enterprises in the digital age.

Digital U successfully enabled local business owners to explore the opportunities and pitfalls of the digital revolution, while meeting other businesses in Ilkley. At the conference, subject-matter experts from across the fields of social media, software, technology, cyber security, and content marketing shared insight and advice on how businesses can harness digital technologies to drive the success of Ilkley’s local businesses.

One of the keynote speakers at Digital U was Detective Constable Dean Russell from the Yorkshire and Humber Regional Cyber Crime Unit. With over 14 years experience in law enforcement, DC Russel gave useful advice on cyber crime and cyber security and discussed the current threats facing the UK from cyber criminals. Bringing DC Russell to talk to Ilkley’s business owners, advanced their knowledge of cyber security which will protect and benefit their company in the future. Alan Carmichael of Capricorn Photography said: “I found this talk particularly interesting due to the surprising threats to business which are becoming more apparent in a digital world”.

Digital U was both a business networking event and a support to the local community.

Co-founder of Shoo Social Media Chris Morris said: “As part of our company’s core values, we believe in supporting the local community.”

Ilkley Grammar School and local universities were at the heart of Digital U and a number of students had the opportunity to experience a business networking event and learn about digital marketing. Students from Leeds Trinity University and Leeds Beckett University were involved in the running of the event and successfully engaged their knowledge of media and advanced their work experience.