Liz KettleWriter and Consultant

Impact of DMEx

External evaluatorNov 2014 – July 2015Interim report √Final report due July

Liz KettleWriter and Consultant

Evaluating DMEx

Initial findings…Meetings, research, case studies

• Context / background• Challenges so far• Successes so far

Liz KettleWriter and Consultant

Context & backgroundSocial disadvantage: 7 times more likely to be disengaged from internet

1 in 5 adults – and 33% companies & charities – lack basic digital skills

Could unlock £20 billion for small / medium businesses

Liz KettleWriter and Consultant

Context & backgroundInternet use in Yorkshire and Humber below national average

Follows Sheffield Community Network

Some parts of South Yorkshire 15% have never used internet

Liz KettleWriter and Consultant

Context & background

Need for• business advice AND

creative advice

• For disadvantaged communities and groups

• digital skills to create jobs and businesses

DMEx in prime position

Liz KettleWriter and Consultant

• Links and referrals

• Targets• Promotion

Liz KettleWriter and Consultant

Success factors

Access to digital technology

Locations

Liz KettleWriter and Consultant

Success factors

Personalised & one-to-one

Free

Flexible Committed staff

Liz KettleWriter and Consultant

Digital skills AND business skills, PLUS…

“Built my confidence loads. I used to be a wreck…”

“It has changed me, definitely built

my confidence”

“I’ve been on a massive journey”

“Everybody cares which is great because you’ve got the human support”

“I don’t need them that much now. But power to them! It was a sustainable process”

The magic is that we’ve had so many people producing

stuff … it’s done their confidence a lot of good”

IMPACT