SME growth stifled by lack of IT know-how

The productivity of small businesses is being stifled by a lack of understanding about how IT can help them grow their business.

Shropshire business technology and communications support firm Bespoke Computing said recent research revealed that 65 per cent of small businesses hinder their growth through inadequate use of technology.

Managing director Chris Pallett said the research showed that if small businesses gained just two hours a week by joining up their IT services, it could boost the UK economy by almost £9 billion.

The YouGov survey, commissioned by website domain firm 123-reg, revealed two thirds of businesses said they would like to increase their company’s productivity but only a third of these had a plan in place to do so.

A majority of the businesses were not capitalising on the latest technology available to them, with 65% of those using Microsoft Office using an older version of the software.

Chris said: “A survey we conducted last year mirrored this research – people are not only concerned about the cost but frightened about their lack of IT knowledge. Small business owners are often under immense pressure to wear many hats from sales to admin to HR, and investing and developing their IT services often drops to the bottom of the list.

“Although they may see it as something they don’t have time for, having up to date systems and processes can actually save time and increase productivity in the long run.

“Because people don’t understand how to get the best out of their hardware or software, they don’t bother to investigate it or seek advice, and that ultimately impacts on their business,” he said.

Chris has spent more than 20 years in the IT industry and his firm advises and supports organisations across a wide range of industries in Shropshire, the wider West Midlands and beyond.

He added: “We can provide a virtual IT department to make sure your business is capitalising on the latest technology – it’s about working smarter, not harder – and any IT costs should be offset by increased productivity.”

Bespoke Computing provides innovative, value for money technology and communications solutions and support on an ad hoc or regular basis.

For more information, go to www.bespokecomputing.com or contact 01952 303404.