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• Firms cannot easily access trusted advice / guidance in the market .
• Software markets are complex and there ’ s perception solutions don ’ t meet SME needs .
• Adoption costs are seen as prohibitive , exacerbated by COVID-19 ’ s impact on SME finances .
Why are digital skills so important for enabling SMEs to scale ?
Technology adoption and leadership and management skills are a critical factor in determining firm productivity .
Daniel Harrison , Head of SME policy at the Department for Business , Energy and Industrial Strategy
How have digital tools helped SMEs navigate the challenges of the last two years ?
Many SMEs are at the forefront of digital development , adopting innovations , sharing ideas and platforms amongst themselves , and offering each other support through digital means .
Through the pandemic , we have seen a significant uptake of technologies to aid remote working , but it is unclear if firms will go even further to adopt productivity-enhancing technologies . This is therefore an opportune time to encourage greater tech adoption .
What are some of the key inhibitors to accelerating Digital Transformation goals for SMEs ?
Research carried out through the Business Productivity Review tells us that :
• SMEs do not recognise the benefits of productivity-enhancing software .
• Firms struggle to identify the technologies and products that are relevant to their needs .
• Executives and managers lack the knowledge / skills to implement these effectively .
The use of one business management technology is associated with productivity gains of at least 10 % and adoption of two or more technologies is associated with an increase in productivity of up to 25 % in SMEs , according to ONS ( 2018 ), Information and communication technology intensity and productivity .
Tell us more about the Help to Grow scheme – what is the aim of the initiative ?
Help to Grow : Digital provides businesses free , impartial , online support and guidance on how digital technology can boost their performance . Through the scheme , eligible businesses can take advantage of discounts of 50 %, worth up to £ 5,000 , when buying approved software from leading technology suppliers . Businesses are also able to access free support and tools on how to choose the right digital technologies through a new online platform .
What business outcomes can SMEs expect by going through the process ?
The support will help many SMEs to start their tech adoption journey or build on existing digital tools they already have to be more efficient and grow . Evidence shows adopting digital software to support their customers , manage their accounts and sell online could save businesses time and money – critical for SMEs trying to survive and grow after the pandemic .
Research in reference to microbusinesses by the Enterprise Research Centre ( ERC ) has shown that adoption of a range of basic technologies ( on-line accountancy software , Computer Aided Design ( CAD ), Customer
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