Press Release

Smaller firms in West Midlands to get help in making the most of IT

A free service to help smaller firms increase their productivity and competitiveness through technology is launched in the West Midlands today by e-skills UK, Advantage West Midlands (AWM) and the National B2B Centre National (NB2B).

The Business IT Guide is designed to help businesses understand what technology is relevant to their organisation and support them in taking any necessary action. It covers topics ranging from developing a website, implementing security and investing in hardware and software, to using technology to enhance sales and customer relationships and manage communications.

Phil Wells, Head of ICT Cluster at AWM said:

"Making the most of technology could boost the regional economy by £3 billion over the next decade. The single most important step we can take towards achieving this is to help the region’s smaller firms increase their adoption of IT.

"Our research reveals that many smaller firms in the region are still reluctant to invest in technology. For example, only 30% of companies in the West Midlands use e-commerce, compared to a UK average of 39%. Two-thirds (66%) have internet access at work, against a UK average of 86%; and only 32% have a company website - while the UK average is 63%. We are committed to driving the uptake of IT among smaller firms across the region and are delighted to be introducing the Business IT Guide in the West Midlands."

Martin King-Turner, Director of the National B2B Centre said:

"Smaller firms have so much to gain from the effective introduction of technology. The Business IT Guide will help companies to explore how IT could help make their business more efficient and successful. As part of our commitment to helping small and medium-sized enterprises in the West Midlands adopt e-business technologies and tools we will be making the Guide available free of charge to all small businesses in the region. We hope many will make use of it."

Karen Price, CEO, e-skills UK, the Sector Skills Council for IT and Telecoms, said:

"Technology can transform a small business. It has the power to improve efficiency, open up new markets and enhance customer service. But for many smaller firms it can be difficult to know where to start. Our research has found that many small businesses don’t know where to go for trusted and objective information about introducing and managing new technology. They can get lost in all the jargon; and they worry about resource and skills implications and what the business will do if the technology doesn’t work properly. In addition, they are unsure about how to plan for growth and changing needs.

"The Business IT Guide was developed by e-skills UK with employers for employers. It addresses these concerns and provides small companies with a user-friendly, accessible tool that enables them to make the most of technology for business success. We are delighted to be launching the Guide in the West Midlands in partnership with AWM and NB2B."

To access the Business IT Guide:   www.wm.businessitguide.com

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