Hootsuite, the social media management platform, yesterday announced that it has been working in partnership with London South Bank University (LSBU) and social enterprise Tree Shepherd on an initiative that seeks to support traders who have been displaced due to the redevelopment of the Elephant and Castle Shopping Centre, arming them with skills needed to succeed in a world that increasingly pivots around digital and social media.
The project will see marketing students from LSBU share expertise gained from their participation in the Hootsuite Academy, putting their skills to use to guide and assist merchants in the process of digitally transforming their business.
Eva Taylor, corporate social responsibility director at Hootsuite, commented: “COVID-19 has seen social become a key way for businesses to communicate directly with customers, and for Elephant and Castle vendors, who are facing additional challenges, maintaining this communication is vital.”
Taylor added that Hootsuite as a company believes in using social for good, stating that upholding these traders through difficult time is a prime focus for the firm. “We are also passionate about educating the next generation of top marketers about the power of social media, and helping LSBU students by equipping them with the tools and skills needed to survive and thrive post-university is a step in the right direction.”
The redevelopment, which included the closure of the shopping centre, has forced many businesses to relocate, at the same time as dealing with the global COVID-19 crisis. To help them find their feet, LSBU students are sharing real-world, social media-centred marketing tactics. The initiative includes everything from building and managing profiles to advice on business accounting.
“Social media is now at the heart of what I do and it’s helped me generate more custom” – Faye Gomes, Kaieteur Kitchen Original
Students taking part in the project benefit from access to all Hootsuite Academy courses, helping them develop their own digital marketing skills and learn from experts. They then worked with vendors to create tailored plans, with students’ coursework focusing on the advancement of these plans and completion of two Academy courses.
“Since working with Tree Shepherd and LSBU, I have learnt a lot and managed to grow my business – despite the challenges,” said Faye Gomes of Kaieteur Kitchen Original. “Social media is now at the heart of what I do and it’s helped me generate more custom. I post daily on my social channels, not only making my business easier to find, but also allowing me to build on those all-important relationships with customers.”
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