Tie-up aims to bridge digital marketing skills gap

Three Scottish digital marketing agencies have joined forces in a bid to tackle a shortage of skills in the industry.

Paul and Marie Monteath, co-founders of The Digital Co. Picture: Jane Barlow

The venture, dubbed The Digital Co, aims to give businesses of all sizes access to industry-leading training. According to a recent report by software firm Adobe, 82 per cent of marketing professionals learn the digital ropes on the job, but many firms lack adequate resources or employee-training programmes.

The initiative has been launched in partnership with 8 Million Stories, Informed Design and QueryClick.

Paul Monteath, managing director and co-founder of The Digital Co, said: “Traditionally, Scottish businesses have had to look south to get cutting-edge training in digital marketing. We’re turning that on its head by providing a first-class level of training here in Scotland.

“When you look at the quality of the agencies and people we now have working in the industry north of the Border, it’s abundantly clear we’ve got the tools to do it. The combination of these factors provides a massive opportunity for The Digital Co team.”

8 Million Stories managing director Robin Richmond added: ”Embracing digital transformation is paramount for Scottish businesses, and there is a clear role for someone to lead digital knowledge development.

“The Digital Co has done an fantastic job at bringing together some of the best digital marketing minds in the UK to provide a unique training and membership offering that will go a long way towards raising the online skill-set and support our local talent within Scotland; 8 Million Stories are proud to be part of it.”