Brighton and Hove businesses debate the value of social media

Dozens of businessmen and women debated whether social media was a waste of time at an event organised by the Brighton and Hove Chamber of Commerce.

The panellists were Nick Barlow, from Small Batch Coffee, digital business adviser Adrian Swinscoe and sustainable business consultant Daren Howarth.

Mr Barlow said: “For us, social media wasn’t a choice. It was a necessity. There was no chance of a marketing budget.

“It’s like extended word of mouth. It’s the most direct way of communicating with customers and potential customers.”

Mr Howarth asked: “Is social media a waste of time for business? Or is business a waste of time for social media?

“It depends. Is it just another tool in your marketing box?”

And he challenged the audience at City College Brighton and Hove in Pelham Street, Brighton, this evening (Wednesday 30 April): “Why would anyone want to follow you on Facebook?”

Some of his business partners didn’t bother with websites, he said. They relied only on social media.

Mr Swinscoe said: “People who think social media is a waste of time for business are probably doing it wrong.”