Digital Marketing Transformer

What’s Included?

Businesses will receive an expert-led digital marketing audit and diagnostic to identify current strengths, gaps and opportunities for quick wins.  

From there, you’ll receive a tailored package of support, which may include: 

• Practical workshops and training tailored to visitor economy needs 
• Hands-on 1:1 mentoring to implement learning 
• Access to online toolkits, templates and step-by-step guides 

Because every business is different, your support plan will be fully customised and focused on where you’ll see the biggest impact. This could cover: 

• Social media strategy and content creation 
• Paid social media advertising 
• Branding, storytelling and positioning 
• SEO and improving Google visibility 
• Email marketing and customer retention 
• Analytics, insight and performance optimisation 
• Practical AI tools to streamline marketing and save valuable time 
• Access to an additional structured online learning bootcamp 

Eligible businesses may also apply for a £500–£1,000 grant to support digital improvements such as photography, software, or booking systems. These improvements must have been completed by 31 March 2026.

Why Join the Programme?

Being visible online has never been more important for small businesses but, for many business owners, developing quality, engaging content and maintaining regular activity can be a challenge when juggling everything else a business demands.  Digital Marketing Transformer is designed not just to boost skills, but to create a real shift in how small visitor economy businesses plan, manage and deliver their marketing. 

By the end of the programme, you’ll have: 

• Greater confidence in your digital marketing 
• More time back, thanks to simpler and smarter processes 
• A stronger, more visible online presence 
• Clear strategies you can sustain long after the programme ends

Eligibility 

Businesses must:

• Be a micro visitor economy business (typically 1–5 employees) 
• Operate in the visitor economy (accommodation, food & drink, visitor attractions, recreation/activity providers, cultural venues, event venues, or similar) 
• Be based in the Tees Valley (Darlington, Hartlepool, Middlesbrough, Redcar & Cleveland, or Stockton-on-Tees) 
• Be able to commit at least two full days in January/February 2026 to work with the training provider to make the most of the opportunity 

See programme guidance for full eligibility requirements. 

How to apply 

• Read the programme guidance
• Submit your application using the online EOI form

Please note submitting an application does not guarantee a place. Spaces are limited and selection will be based on eligibility, need, potential impact, and a balanced geographical spread. 

Important Dates:

• Deadline for applications: 12 midnight, Wednesday 7th January 
• Applicants will be notified of outcomes by: To be confirmed