Making digital tools accessible for West Yorkshire businesses
Confident digital decisions shouldn’t feel out of reach for small businesses.
For many SMEs, digital tools play a vital role in reaching customers, managing time and staying competitive. But knowing where to start or what will make the biggest difference, often feels unclear.
That uncertainty is one of the biggest barriers holding ambitious businesses back. And it’s exactly what Digital Knowledge Exchange (DKE) was designed to address.
Now open for its July 2026 cohort, DKE is a fully funded programme that has already supported over 650 businesses to use digital tools with more confidence, clarity and impact.
Practical, fully funded support — built around real business needs
Digital Knowledge Exchange is a pilot programme funded by the Department for Business & Trade, delivered by UMi in partnership with Leeds City Council. It is designed to explore how digital adoption support can help small businesses become more efficient, resilient and ready for growth.
The programme is open to SMEs based in and around West Yorkshire, regardless of sector or stage of development. Whether a business is laying digital foundations for the first time or looking to optimise existing systems and processes, the support is designed to meet them where they are.
Over the past cohorts, businesses have joined with a wide range of priorities – improving their websites, streamlining admin, protecting customer data or understanding how artificial intelligence might fit into their day-to-day operations. What they often have in common is the need for clear guidance, trusted advice and the confidence to take the next step.
A practical, business-first approach
Digital Knowledge Exchange runs over a four month period and offers structured, fully funded support across key digital topics that matter most to small businesses today.
Every participating business receives access to expert-led learning and practical guidance covering areas such as:
- Artificial intelligence (AI): exploring how AI can automate routine tasks, save time and support smarter decision-making without adding complexity.
- Digital marketing: helping businesses strengthen their online presence, attract new customers and run effective, affordable campaigns.
- Customer relationship management (CRM): supporting businesses to understand, choose and implement tools that improve customer relationships and drive repeat sales.
- Cloud software and productivity tools: enabling teams to work more efficiently, collaborate securely and manage their business from anywhere.
- Cyber security and data protection: providing clear, practical advice to help businesses safeguard their data, protect customers and remain compliant.
Crucially, this is not ‘one-size-fits-all’ training. The programme is designed to be flexible and relevant, allowing businesses to focus on the areas that will have the greatest impact on their goals.
Alongside this, the programme’s structure, which includes a research-led, randomised approach to allocating additional support, is helping to build a robust evidence base around what works best when it comes to supporting digital adoption in SMEs.
What businesses value most: clarity and confidence
What I hear most often from participating businesses is that clarity, knowing what to focus on and why, is just as valuable as the tools themselves. Many businesses highlight the importance of having the time and space to reflect on their digital approach, alongside access to trusted guidance that helps them prioritise and take action.
Participants have reported increased confidence, clearer digital roadmaps and tangible improvements such as adopting new systems, improving online visibility and strengthening data security practices. For many owners and managers, the biggest benefit is clarity. This means understanding not just what digital tools are available, but which ones are right for their business and why.
As digital expectations continue to evolve, this kind of practical, confidence-building support is becoming increasingly important for smaller firms looking to remain competitive and resilient.
Registration is now open for July 2026
Expressions of interest are now open for businesses to join the July 2026 cohort of Digital Knowledge Exchange.
Participation is free for eligible businesses and places are limited, s businesses interested in taking part are encouraged to register early. To learn more or to register your interest, visit https://www.digitalknowledgeexchange.co.uk/partner.
Businesses can also get in touch directly by emailing [email protected] or calling 0113 868 9750.
Digital Knowledge Exchange exists to make digital support simpler, more accessible and genuinely useful, helping West Yorkshire businesses take confident steps forward, whatever their starting point. That’s why I would encourage any eligible business considering their next digital step to explore the programme.