AN event to help York businesses learn new digital skills is being staged as part of the city's bid to become the best connected city in the UK.

City of York Council's Digital Team is hosting a 'Go Digital' event with Google Digital Garage, to be held at Middletons Hotel, in Skeldergate, on Thursday.

The event will welcome Google Digital Garage who will talk to small and medium sized businesses about how they can learn new digital skills, attract more customers and use the internet to grow.

Alongside the talks there will be an exhibition and 'drop-in' session introducing businesses to suppliers all with the aim of securing sign up of the York Connection Voucher Scheme which gives grants of up to £3,000 to York SME's towards associated broadband connection costs.

Cllr Ian Gillies, executive member for Planning and Transport, at City of York Council said: "The event looks to show businesses how speed and coverage of Superfast and Ultrafast broadband will improve connectivity and help future proof their business and the economy.

"I invite local businesses to come and find out more, meet registered suppliers and access grants of up to £3,000 which are available now under the Connection Voucher Scheme."

To turn the city's ambition to make York the best connected city in the UK into a reality, the team's priority is to work with and influence business in the city, working with a mix of public and private sector partners.

Businesses who would like to register their attendance at the 'Go Digital' event on Thursday need to email YorkSuperConnectedCity@york.gov.uk. For further information on Digital York and the York Connection Voucher Scheme visit www.digitalyork.org.