GOOGLE will play host to York and North Yorkshire business leaders next month.

Representatives from the search engine firm will offer lunch and two masterclasses at an event organised by Leeds, York and North Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce and All Response Media.

The event, titled Google: Using The Power Of Online To Grow Your Business, aims to teach firms how to master online marketing and use the search engine’s tools to attract new customers and grow their ventures.

At the lunch at the Queens Hotel, Leeds, on January 21, Andrew Barke, of Google, will talk about the changing behaviour of consumers and how businesses can stay competitive online and attract new customers. Mr Barke, an industry head at Google, is responsible for building and retaining agency relationships within the northern region and advises agencies on how best to help their clients develop effective online strategies.

As the number of online purchases continues to expand, with November 2009 showing an increase of 11.8 per cent on the previous year, it is increasingly important firms maximise their online presence.

The first of the masterclasses – about online trends – begins at 10.30am.

The cost of the event is £30 for chamber members and £42 for non-members, including lunch.

To book, visit the events section of yourchamber.org.uk