InvestSefton support helps bring 3,000 customers to Southport café

Sixty business owners and managers from 40 local businesses attended two recent InvestSefton masterclasses at Formby Hall Golf Resort & Spa.

Digital and social media presence

Focusing on strengthening their digital presence and social media presence, the events were led by Lizzie Barnett of Studio Nine, who provided expert insight and practical advice.

Lizzie also advised attendees on choosing the right social media platform, what to post and when to post it. And she talked about the best ways for companies to link their social media content to the large‑scale events happening in Southport and across Sefton.

Free masterclasses

These free masterclasses are part of a programme organised by InvestSefton and partners to help local businesses gain the most from this year’s spectacular season of events in Southport.

Over 300 local businesses have already taken part in InvestSefton’s free workshop programme. Other areas covered have included hospitality, customer experience and marketing.

3,000 customers

One business to benefit Café 1821, which saw more than 3,000 customer visits following support through the Invest Sefton’s free workshop programme.

Sue Barker, owner of Café 1821 said the support helped her business make the most of increased footfall linked to major events in the town. Despite the Crystal Palace event being cancelled due to bad weather, improved visibility and marketing still resulted in over 3,000 customers choosing to visit the café.

This demonstrates the real‑world impact the sessions can have on local businesses.

You can find details the programme and future free workshop events here. 

Practical business support

Councillor Paulette Lappin, Sefton Council Cabinet Member Regeneration, Economy & Skills, said:“Sue’s experience is a great example of how practical business support can make a real difference and how these free training sessions can a real‑world impact on local businesses.

“Even with last‑minute event disruption, Sue was able to capitalise on increased footfall, leading to more than 3,000 people visiting Café 1821. That’s exactly the type of outcome we want to see for Sefton businesses.

InvestSefton

InvestSefton is Sefton Council’s enterprise, with business support and inward investment service.  It offers free information and advice and access to a wide range of services. It is there to help any business, of any size, in any sector.

People wanting to find out more about how the InvestSefton can help support their business, canvisit www.investsefton.comor contact the team on 0151 934 3452 orinvestsefton@sefton.gov.uk.