Digital skills for communities and commerce
The New Forest is entering a new digital era. Thanks to Project Gigabit, over 10,500 hard-to-reach homes and businesses are being connected to ultrafast broadband – a £14 million investment in the district’s future.
But technology alone isn’t enough. That’s why New Forest District Council has commissioned YTKO to deliver the Click and Connect New Forest Initiative. Our role is to make sure residents, communities, and businesses have the skills and confidence to take full advantage of this new infrastructure.
What the programme offers
Through free workshops, training and tailored resources, we’ll help:
- Businesses – increase productivity, adopt new technology, improve customer experiences, and grow sustainably.
- Residents – build confidence in digital skills, access services online (from banking to healthcare), and reduce isolation.
- Communities – embrace digital inclusion, strengthen connections, and open up new opportunities for learning and collaboration.
All support will be flexible and co-designed with participants, ensuring it reflects the real needs of people across the district.
Why it matters
- Enhanced productivity and efficiency for local businesses
- New skills linked directly to ultrafast broadband access
- Improved access to online services for residents
- Stronger community connections and reduced isolation
This project is about more than faster internet – it’s about unlocking digital opportunities that transform lives and economies across the New Forest.
Get involved
Whether you’re a business, community group, or resident, we’d love to hear from you.
Upcoming Events
Introduction to Enterprise Drop-in (Meadows Community Centre - Cambridge)
FREE
Business & Professional
March 9, 2026 at 1:00 pm
Meadows Community Centre, Arbury
Practical working session exploring starting a business, business ideas, and pitching your idea.
Introduction to Enterprise Drop-In - (Cambridge - Romsey Mill)
FREE
Business & Professional
March 10, 2026 at 10:00 am
Romsey Mill, Cambridge
In-person practical working session exploring starting a business, business ideas, and pitching your idea.
Introduction to Enterprise - Funding and Finance - Day 3 (Cambridge)
FREE
Business & Professional
March 11, 2026 at 9:30 am
Venue TBA
FREE 3-hour in-person practical working session exploring starting a business, business ideas, and pitching your idea.
Digital Skills Boost
FREE
Online
Business & Professional
March 12, 2026 at 6:00 pm
Online Event
Online practical session covering communication tools, social media, digital content creation, problem solving, and AI software tips.
Literacy and Numeracy Essentials
FREE
Online
Business & Professional
March 13, 2026 at 12:00 pm
Online Event
Online practical skills session covering writing for real life, communication, money skills, problem solving, and thinking skills.
Introduction to Enterprise / Release Your Potential - Day 1 (Peterborough)
FREE
Business & Professional
March 16, 2026 at 9:30 am
Venue TBA
FREE 3-hour in-person practical working session exploring starting a business, business ideas, and pitching your idea.
Introduction to Enterprise - Marketing - Day 2 (Peterborough)
FREE
Business & Professional
March 17, 2026 at 1:00 pm
Venue TBA
FREE 3-hour in-person practical working session exploring the essentials you need to start a business
March 18, 2026 at 9:30 am
Venue TBA
FREE 3-hour in-person practical working session exploring the essentials you need for starting a business.
Digital Skills Boost
FREE
Online
Business & Professional
March 19, 2026 at 6:00 pm
Online Event
Online practical session covering communication tools, social media, digital content creation, problem solving, and AI software tips.
Literacy and Numeracy Essentials
FREE
Online
Business & Professional
March 20, 2026 at 12:00 pm
Online Event
Online practical skills session covering writing for real life, communication, money skills, problem solving, and thinking skills.
March 23, 2026 at 9:30 am
Venue TBA
FREE 3-hour in-person practical working session exploring starting a business, business ideas, and pitching your idea.
Introduction to Enterprise - Marketing - Day 2 (Huntingdon)
FREE
Business & Professional
March 24, 2026 at 1:00 pm
Venue TBA
FREE 3-hour in-person practical working session covering the essentials you need to start a business
Introduction to Enterprise - Funding & Finance - Day 3 (Huntingdon)
FREE
Business & Professional
March 25, 2026 at 9:30 am
Venue TBA
FREE 3-hour in-person practical working session covering the essentials you need to start a business.
Digital Skills Boost
FREE
Online
Business & Professional
March 26, 2026 at 6:00 pm
Online Event
Online practical session covering communication tools, social media, digital content creation, problem solving, and AI software tips.
Literacy and Numeracy Essentials
FREE
Online
Business & Professional
March 27, 2026 at 12:00 pm
Online Event
Online practical skills session covering writing for real life, communication, money skills, problem solving, and thinking skills.
Starting a business bootcamp as a neurodivergent founder!
FREE
Business & Professional
March 30, 2026 at 8:30 am
Venue TBA
Build your business your way - a relaxed, practical day of mentoring, planning tools, marketing support, and burnout prevention.
Starting a business as a neurodivergent founder!
FREE
Business & Professional
March 31, 2026 at 8:30 am
Venue TBA
Build your business your way - a relaxed, practical day of mentoring, planning tools, marketing support, and burnout prevention.
