Lancashire Skills Bootcamp in Digital Marketing

This 9-week intensive bootcamp equips you with essential digital marketing skills to stay competitive in today’s fast-paced environment. Led by industry experts with real-world experience, the programme offers practical tips, case studies, and actionable insights to help you apply what you learn directly to your business or career.

KEY INFORMATION

  • Duration: 9 weeks. Starting Tue 3rd February 2026 ending Tuesday 31st March 2026

  • Format: Blended – There are FOUR days across the 9 weeks where you must be able to attend in person at Blackpool (FY4 5JX). These dates are Tuesday 3rd Feb/Wednesday 4th Feb and Tuesday 3rd March/Wednesday 4th March. The remaining sessions are held on Zoom Tuesday and Thursday 10am-1pm. 

  • Schedule: Twice weekly (Tue/Thur 10am-1pm, except for the 4 days which are in person 9.30am-4.30pm)

  • Total Learning Hours: 69 hours of guided learning plus 3 hours of 1:1 mentoring and 1 (optional) hour of Orientation.

Who is this course for?

This bootcamp is perfect for beginners or those without formal marketing training who have a strong motivation to learn AND apply their knowledge. It’s tailored for:

  • Freelancers and Small Business Owners: Build the skills to grow your online presence and drive your business forward.

  • Employees in Smaller Businesses: Transition into marketing-focused roles with confidence. Co-funded places are available for eligible candidates.

  • Aspiring Business Owners: Start strong with the marketing skills needed to launch your business.

Applications are also welcome from those with limited marketing experience who are considering a career change, assessed on a case-by-case basis.

Meet the Tutors

Nikki Hesford

Jean Atkinson

Nicola Pickup

Amy Mantle

Study Modules

  • Commercial Strategy: How to make commercially savvy marketing decisions, that are aligned with revenue goals or hard KPI’s. Understanding how to manage a marketing budget, co-ordinate performance from third parties such as freelancers or agencies and ensuring that your marketing activity is purposeful and aligned with the growth goals of the business.

  • Branding: Build trust and recognition with consistent, professional visuals created using Canva. Learn how to create your own brand pack.

  • Websites: Understand different content management systems, manage them effectively, and measure performance using analytics.

  • Organic Social Media: Learn social media management, content planning, and tools like Canva to create engaging posts, videos, and podcasts.

  • Meta Ads: Learn how to create and manage effective Meta (Facebook & Instagram) Ads from leading expert Nikki Hesford, in person.

  • SEO: Master keyword research, content strategies, search rankings, and Digital PR for backlinks and media coverage. Ensuring your website appears in search results is vital

  • Email Marketing: Use email tools to segment audiences, plan campaigns, and drive results.

  • AI Tools: Explore the latest affordable AI tools for small businesses, helping you streamline and scale your marketing efforts.

  • Copywriting: Learn how to write your communications in a way that people understand and engage with. That’s website, Ads, social, leaflets – even your packaging!

  • Creating Content: Learn how to make reels, videos and content that get attention! This practical, in-person session with Amy is brilliant fun. You will create content on the day in this practical hands-on session!

  • Functional IT Skills: Additional Bonus 90 minute Workshop for basic IT skills required for marketing (before the start of the course)

What employers are saying about our Skills Bootcamp:

“Keda is now an AI company champion, in charge of all social media and marketing. The Bootcamp was a very well-rounded course with great course material and content, and helpful and well-informed tutors.”

– Bryony Goodall, Business and Executive Support Officer, AFD Systems

“TSBA’s Bootcamp hit just the right level for us and acknowledged the time constraints we are all under as a small business. It has been well worth the upfront investment of time for Peter to commit to gaining the skills and we are looking forward to reaping the rewards.”

– Robert Erskine, Managing Director, Silver Fish Supply

“Ruby has gained valuable insight in how to market the business, from the perspective of what our customers are actually looking for. Her marketing plans have changed to accommodate this new direction, and we have seen a positive result already. The Bootcamp has given her the confidence to push for growth in the business, which has had an immediate effect. I can recommend the positive impact in investing, and upskilling your most valuable staff members.”

– Kim Heubner, Artistic Instructor, Brush & Tipple

“The Bootcamp has given Hannah new skills and a great deal of confidence in her abilities. This knowledge and experience will be a great asset to the organisation, supporting our marketing, which in turn will help grow the charity’s income. The Skills Bootcamp has been a fantastic opportunity for Hannah – it was delivered by excellent professionals and I would highly recommend it to other organisations.”

– Dan Hill, Head of Hospital Charities, Rosemere Cancer Foundation

Online and in-person workshops

Certification on completion of the programme

Network with your fellow learners

Homework and Accountability

This is a hands-on course, and progress depends on the work you put in outside of lessons. After each session, you’ll set goals tailored to your business stage or job search. These goals will form part of your action plan. You must dedicate at least two hours per week to job seeking or updating and implementing your action plan. Regular check-ins will ensure progress, and places on the course are conditional on demonstrating that progress.

  • Self-Employed/Business Owners/Start ups/Employees: Homework will focus on applying what you’ve learned to your business.
  • Job Seekers: Homework will involve CVs, job applications, and interview preparation.

Please only apply if you can commit to the required time and effort.

Why Choose This Bootcamp?

  • Practical Curriculum: Designed by industry experts, covering everything from SEO and social media to branding and AI tools.

  • Real-World Insights: Learn directly from experienced professionals using proven strategies.

  • Personalised Support: 1:1 mentoring tailored to your needs, whether you’re building a business or job hunting.

  • Funded by the Department for Education: Free for eligible individuals (including sole traders), or heavily subsidised for small businesses (Ltd companies) at £290 + VAT.

ELIGIBILITY: You must be aged 19 or over, have the right to work in the UK and live, or run a business, in Lancashire.

Application Process

First of all, you must watch our video about the bootcamp programme. If you wish to apply, click the Application button to fill out an Application Form.

We routinely receive 200-280 applications for 12-15 spaces – so it is important that we give the opportunity to the most committed applicants.

If you are successful in being progressed to the next stage of the application process, we will require you to record a short video and attend an interview with our Training Manager, Mike Kewley.

Please email skillsbootcamp@thesmallbusinessacademy.co.uk or call 07466 457751 if you have any questions.

Next Bootcamp starts 3rd February 2026 and runs until 31st March 2026 – limited places available.

Skills Bootcamp – Dates

Week Day 1 Day 2 Location Hours
1 Tue 3rd Feb 9.30am-5pm Wed 4th Feb 9.30am-5pm Peel House, in person 2 x 7.5 hours
2 Tue 10th Feb 10am-1pm Thu 12th Feb 10am-1pm Zoom 2 x 3 hours
3 Tue 17th Feb 10am – 1pm Thu 19th Feb 10am – 1pm Zoom 2 x 3 hours
4 Tue 24th Feb 10am – 1pm Thu 26th Feb 10am – 1pm Zoom 2 x 3 hours
5 Tue 3rd Mar 9.30am – 5pm Wed 4th Mar 9.30am – 5pm Peel House, in person 2 x 7.5 hours
6 Tue 10th Mar 10am – 1pm Thu 12th Mar 10am – 1pm Zoom 2 x 3 hours
7 Tue 17th Mar 10am – 1pm Thu 19th Mar 10am – 1pm Zoom 2 x 3 hours
8 Tue 24th Mar 10am – 1pm Thu 26th Mar 10am – 1pm Zoom 2 x 3 hours
9 Tue 31st March – 10am-1pm Zoom 1 x 3 hours