Earlier this week a survey from the British Chambers of Commerce of almost 900 SMEs across the UK, including businesses based in Staffordshire, revealed the issues they are facing managing their digital tools (broadband, audio, visual conferencing tools and collaboration tools) within a challenging economic environment – with cost, a lack of time and inflexibility being the leading challenges.
The findings come at a time when SMEs are already facing an uphill battle to survive with rising inflation, spiralling energy costs and low growth risking long-term prosperity.
The management of digital tools stood out as a significant cause for concern for SMEs, with almost four in ten (38%) believing they did not have the capacity to effectively manage multiple ICT suppliers, contracts, and licences.
A quarter (25%) of SMEs did not feel that their digital tools were resilient enough to help protect their business from emerging trends, just over a fifth (22%) did not feel that their digital tools were secure, whilst 17% disagreed their current suppliers of connectivity tools enabled them to adapt to changing circumstances.
In an environment where businesses are facing spiralling energy costs, record inflation and a declining economy, firms must feel confident in the technology they rely on to serve their needs and carry them into the future.
This Connectivity Survey has highlighted significant areas of concern for businesses, with firms expressing particularly low levels of confidence in the flexibility and value for money offered to them by suppliers.
With BCC data highlighting the huge challenges businesses are facing in the current economic environment, now more than ever, they need help wherever they can find it. Finding the right connectivity tools for firms can not only save time and money, it can also help future-proof businesses against further challenges down the line.
You can view the survey infographic here: PowerPoint Presentation (britishchambers.org.uk)
Suppliers of digital tools and services must work with businesses, particularly small and medium-sized businesses, to ensure that they find their right fit and reap the benefits of a flexible and secure connectivity offering.
I do feel that we are tackling the connectivity problem head on in many parts of Staffordshire and the work currently being undertaken by LilaConnect as they roll out their full fibre network around Stoke-on-Trent, Leek, Uttoxeter and other parts of Staffordshire.
We are extremely proactive with digital technology and we have a Digital Forum which exists to drive the growing digital sector in Staffordshire enabling businesses to freely exchange information, share best practices and discuss digital innovation, information communication technology, the digital skills agenda and artificial intelligence.
Forum members include Keele and Staffordshire Universites, local authorities and many of our cutting-edge IT and digital businesses.
The Chambers also has two digital advisers Alan Bloomfield and Ben Hocking. They can advise on all aspects of digital technology and help you make the best use of it in your business. For more information on the Digital Forum or to speak to Alan or Ben email: digital@staffordshirechambers.co.uk
And finally, we have a special digital section at our Let’s do Business expo at Uttoxeter racecourse on 20th October where you can meet the experts and talk to them about all things IT and digital. Register for Let’s do Business free here: Let’s Do Business – Staffordshire Chambers
If you want to talk to us about any business issues, including funding, you can call our switchboard on 01782 202222 or call the Stoke and Staffs Growth Hub Helpline on 0300 111 8002 or email: info@staffordshirechambers.co.uk
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