WEST Dorset MP Oliver Letwin joined forces with Google to help local businesses get cyber savvy.

Dozens of companies attended a workshop in Dorchester to get advice and tips on how to make the most of the internet and grow a business online.

There was a presentation on how companies can improve their online presence, followed by one-to-one workshops with individual advice.

Mr Letwin, who co-hosted the event, said it is crucial for businesses to use the web to their advantage.

He said: “A successful online presence is vital for businesses based in Dorchester and successful small businesses mean a strong local economy.

“We are trying to generate jobs and growth and I think anything that helps businesses to do that is to be supported.“I was delighted to see so many businesses there, it never fails to amaze me what technology can do these days.

“It was also clear that there are some very expert and savvy businesses here in Dorset.

“We need to see the roll-out of fibre optic broadband for rural areas and we need the combination of having the infrastructure and the knowledge.”

Mr Letwin met with local business owners at South Walks House to discuss what they are doing online.

John Moyce, managing director of Osprey Marketing in Weymouth, said: “I’ve been online since 1995 and I wanted to see what the latest information is, no one knows everything about technology.

“I run an online marketing agency so the internet is crucial and we need to keep up to date with what’s going on.”

John Ryan, president of Dorset-based media company Trumpet Gold, said: “It was good to see what help is out there and it was good to see our MP at the event.

“I was impressed to see Mr Letwin getting involved and supporting local businesses.”

A recent study commissioned by Google shows that businesses who have a presence online grow four-to-eight-times faster than ones which do not.

Gori Yahaya, of Google digital marketing, said: “It was great to have Oliver Letwin at the event to introduce us.

“I thought it was really positive that he came to support us.

“It’s all about making sure that companies in the area make the most of what we are doing at Google.”