SEARCH engine giant Google today announced it will hold three months of free workshops and events across Liverpool to help small firms grow their online businesses.

The company wants to “boost the area’s online economy” by working with 1,500 businesses in Merseyside.

It is the first time Google has created a series of events dedicated to one city region.

The company says Liverpool lags behind rival cities, including Manchester and Leeds, in terms of using the internet for business.

It says a recent survey by the Boston Consulting Group shows small firms actively using the internet see sales growth four times greater than those firms that do not.

Raja Saggi, head of small business initiatives at Google UK, said: “The internet has created huge opportunities, but many business owners feel they don’t have the expertise they need to help their businesses grow online.

“This is the first time we have ever run a series of events aimed at helping one city, and we’ll be working hard with our partners to make a real difference to Liverpool’s internet economy over the coming months.

“With Liverpool’s strong business networks and sense of community, we believe this is the best city to run such an initiative.”