Businesses

Amazon Academy in Doncaster.
Zamir Cajee, of iQualTech, talks to Emma Greenfield, of Enterprise Nation. — Amazon Academy in Doncaster. Zamir Cajee, of iQualTech, talks to Emma Greenfield, of Enterprise Nation.

The free event, held at the iPort fulfilment centre in Doncaster, aimed at helping SMEs to export, was organised by Amazon and small business support network, Enterprise Nation.

Business owners from Doncaster and across South Yorkshire attended keynote speeches, workshops and panel discussions with export, technology and marketing leaders including Sheffield City Region Growth Hub, the Doncaster Chamber of Commerce, Be the Business and ICAEW.

During the event, guests were also given a behind-the-scenes tour of the Amazon fulfilment centre on Doncaster’s iPort.

“Our team here at Doncaster’s iPort enjoyed hosting the Amazon Academy and it was great to welcome so many SMEs, entrepreneurs and business leaders to our fulfilment centre,” said Adam Banks, site leader at the Amazon iPort fulfilment centre.

“The aim of the academy programme is to empower businesses in Doncaster and across South Yorkshire to join the companies across the UK who exported more than £2bn of goods last year by selling on Amazon and to help fuel their growth by providing them with the technology to increase revenues, grow profits and create new jobs.”

Since launching in 2016, the Amazon Academy has helped over 3,000 SMEs and entrepreneurs across the UK learn how to grow their businesses through greater digital adoption.

Joanne Bushby from Doncaster Chamber added: “The Amazon Academy was insightful and informative, giving SMEs an understanding of how digital technology can make businesses in South Yorkshire more productive and increase their performance.

“It was also great to learn more about the services offered by Amazon and how they can be fundamental in business growth, both locally and internationally. The buzz in the room was very positive and the panel of experts offered some positive suggestions and advice which will prove beneficial to SMEs and entrepreneurs across all business sectors.”

Members of the public can also sign up for a free one-hour tour of Amazon at www.amazon.co.uk/fctours. It is open to anyone over the age of six.