Small companies from all sectors can learn how to keep up with the changing online world in a series of seminars being run by Kent County Council, Microsoft and the KM Group.

The events, dubbed Kent Reimagined, will show how firms can harness the power of the internet with insight from top speakers on how to get ahead of the curve.

Aimed at small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) each one will focus on a particular topic, ranging from new types of digital payment, cloud-based working, online security, using social media and having an effective web presence.

The first seminar on Thursday, September 11, will look at working using ‘The Cloud’, where workers can access company software anywhere using the internet.

Speakers will include Microsoft UK consultant Tim Gregson and Canterbury-based ADM Computing senior account manager Richard Hawkes.

The seminar will outline what the cloud is, its opportunities and how it is priced. The speakers will also offer tips and examples on how adopt a cloud-based systems with minimal fuss, and give an overview of the leading providers. Booking is essential as places are limited.

"Those who don’t keep up with the changes in digital technology do so at their peril..." - KCC's Mark Dance

KCC cabinet member for economic development Mark Dance said: “Kent County Council is passionate that every business in Kent should realise its full potential. Those who don’t keep up with the changes in digital technology do so at their peril.

“We are thrilled to be working with the KM Group, which shares our view the digital world has become the lifeline of any business and we must all adapt and change to fit this hyper connected world in which we live and work.

"This is a fantastic opportunity for anyone who has a business in Kent, big or small, to hear from the experts how we should all be creating, sharing and consuming content.”

KM Group managing director Richard Elliot said: “Here at the KM, we are delighted to be working with KCC and Microsoft on Kent Reimagined. This is a very important initiative.

“The UK is one of the most digitally native nations in the world and it is very important that Kent leads in this area.

“Through this partnership and using KentOnline, the UK’s fastest growing digital news network, we hope to be able to promote what people are doing in this area. By having these conferences it will enable them to grow their businesses faster.”

The seminar takes place at the Village Hotel, Maidstone, on Thursday, September 11. Registration will be available online soon at www.kent.gov.uk/kentreimagined