Lifetime is to feature in Barnsley’s biggest digital business conference at The Civic next month.

The town will celebrate its growing reputation as an expanding digital economy at the fourth annual Connected Business Conference – and Lifetime Communications Director William Bottomley (pictured below) will be one of the guest speakers, talking about how our company communicates with its clients and the public through our website and social media platforms.

Bill will also be unveiling our brand new animation.

Over 150 business people are expected to attend the conference on Tuesday, October 13 to learn more about how to utilise digital tools and resources to benefit their business.

The free event is supported by Enterprising Barnsley, a European-funded programme delivered by Barnsley Council.

Richard Dennys of the Digital Business Academy (DBA), part of London’s Tech City, has been announced as the first keynote speaker.

Richard will talk about the DBA, which provides free support to entrepreneurs wanting to learn the skills they need to start, run or join a digital business; and Tech City, a national project dedicated to accelerating the growth of digital businesses through programmes and events.

Richard has been involved in Tech City’s recent launch of the Tech North initiative to support digital entrepreneurs across the north of England.

Richard will be joined on the line-up by other local innovators who will share their experience.

As well as Lifetime director Bill, there will be Kath Shackleton, of Huddersfield-based animation experts Fettle, who have worked with Lifetime on their new  ‘Big Questions’ video project, and lifestyle blogger Katie Portman who also contributes to online newspaper, the Huffington Post.

Other speakers are also being booked and will be announced in due curse.

Event organiser and Enterprising Barnsley’s sector specialist for creative and digital industries Tracey Johnson said: “We’re delighted that Richard Dennys will be joining us at Connected Business.

“The Digital Business Academy is a great free resource for digital and non-digital businesses alike and it’s a great chance to hear more about how Tech City and Tech North are helping to support businesses in the north.

“Connected Business 2015 will also showcase more local digital innovation than ever before and this is indicative of the flurry of activity across the digital economy in the borough at the moment.

“Earlier this year we launched the Click e-commerce accelerator programme with national start-up experts Enterprise Nation, which is giving intensive support to help eight Barnsley entrepreneurs develop their own online businesses.

“And just this month, Enterprise Nation opened its Northern Hub right here in the Digital Media Centre. At the Hub, entrepreneurs across South Yorkshire have the chance to get involved in workshops, mentoring, events and networking opportunities.

“Along with existing Enterprising Barnsley business coaching, there has never been a better time to set-up, develop and grow the digital aspect of your business here in Barnsley.

“We hope as many business people as possible will come to our annual conference to find out more.”

• Connected Business will take place on Tuesday October 13th, 9am-2pm, including lunch with workshops to follow, at the Civic in Barnsley town centre.
• To reserve a place or find out more, please visit www.enterprisingbarnsley.co.uk/events
• Barnsley-based creative and digital suppliers and consultants will be available to chat at the event’s digital business expo.
• Enterprising Barnsley is supported financially by the European Union and has attracted £3,015,276 investment from the European Regional Development Fund as part of Europe’s support for the region’s economic development, through the Yorkshire and Humber ERDF Programme.