smallbusiness.co.uk: Helping your business think big

A promising venture

Previously, we’ve looked at the reasons why many describe the...
Have your say »

RSS

CBI hails importance of IT in business

Jul 07 2008

A new report from the Confederation of British Industry (CBI) has highlighted that IT has a range of benefits for British businesses.

UK Competitiveness: The Role of IT Services emphasises that computer technology helps companies meet customer needs, enter new markets and build value in the services they offer.

Of the 500 UK companies surveyed during the course of the study, some 63 per cent of respondents stated that investing in internet-enabled IT services had improved customer satisfaction and retention, while 60 per cent claimed it allowed them to tailor their products to customers' needs more effectively.

The research also noted that customer focus is increasingly becoming the main driver of IT development, replacing cost-saving.

More than half of those questioned (52 per cent) asserted that more demanding global customers were the main drivers of their IT development.

Furthermore, a number of the businesses which took part in the survey revealed they would welcome government help regards IT, with 42 per cent saying such assistance could help them reach overseas markets and a further 39 per cent calling for the development of a national centre of excellence.

In other news from the CBI, the body recently stated that innovation is vital for service sector small businesses if they want to survive in times of economic difficulty.

Comments

There are currently no comments on this article

Misco Offers for small businesses

At Misco, we understand the constraints faced by small businesses. This is why, we’ve built a team of specialists readily available to share with you their expertise and work with you to find tailored IT solutions fitted to your business requirements. View our offers or call our team of experts today on freephone 0808 181 7582 or by email smallbiz@misco.co.uk.

Regional Buyers. Regional Suppliers. National Products & Services.

On Thursday 8th March 2012, come down to Newcastle Racecourse to learn more about how technology can impact your business in a positive way. We're focusing on the topics that YOU want, and we're getting the BEST companies to teach you about them. Find out more here.

FREE Legal, Financial, Accountancy & HR Help

Aska Professional understands the challenges faced by small businesses. That’s why we provide instant access to professional advice and legal templates. FREE access to Solicitors, Accountants, Financial Advisors & HR Specialists. Ask our experts a question and get a personal response within 60 minutes. Sign up now to ask a question - FREE.

Polls

Latest News

Continental SMEs more tech-minded

British small businesses place less of an emphasis on technology than their European counterparts, research finds.

Social media could be holiday risk for businesses

Photos and videos of Christmas parties posted on social networks could do great damage to companies’ reputations, according to an HR expert.

SMEs lax in social media interaction

Only four in ten customer service complaints made on social media ever get a response, research finds.

UK SMEs behind on e-commerce

One in three UK small businesses see e-commerce channels as a threat to their business, according to a new study.

Intolerance of social networks could hurt SMEs

Employers who impose strict policies against the use of social networking tools designed for business are at risk of alienating ‘Generation Facebook’ from joining their organisation, research finds.

Businesses go for shorter leases

Small businesses are increasingly signing shorter lease deals to dodge rent reviews, research suggests.

SME tech investment hampered by finances

A lack of resources is preventing small and medium-sized businesses in the UK from adopting new technologies such as tablets and cloud computing, research finds.

'Seismic shift' predicted for UK business landscape

The next ten years will herald a ‘seismic shift’ in the UK’s business landscape unseen since the original industrial revolution, finds a new report looking at the future of UK firms.

SMEs still not adept in social media

Almost 50 per cent of B2B businesses are not measuring return on investment when using social media, research finds.

SME resistance to social media a 'major barrier'

Resistance from employers to embrace social media and new ways of working could be a major barrier hindering the future potential of UK businesses and their staff, a recruitment company warns.

Young people aspire to be entrepreneurs

A lack of jobs and higher university tuition fees have led to a growing number of teenagers and young people aspiring to be their own boss, research finds.

Guides & Tips

The digital guide provides useful technology information & tips for small businesses

SmallBusiness.co.uk launches technology aid for companies

SmallBusiness.co.uk and Microsoft have launched a digital supplement designed to help start-ups with their IT.

IT can help grow turnover in various ways

Winning more business through technology

SmallBusiness.co.uk investigates more intelligent approaches to growing your turnover using IT.

Technology spends can vary greatly depending on the product in question

The essential IT tools for small businesses

SmallBusiness.co.uk sorts out the must-haves from the nice-to-haves in technology.

Don't Miss

The ability to store and find information is vital to keeping the business running efficiently

The benefits of fully integrated business management software

As any business owner knows, both efficiency and effective communication are the Holy Grail of good business management.

An advertising marketplace

Launched in 2009, mobile advertising display marketplace Adfonic has already won contracts such as Tesco, Google, Groupon and Peugeot. SmallBusiness.co.uk talks to CEO Victor Malachard.

Funding, cubed

Crowdcube provides a platform for entrepreneurs of startups and growing businesses to connect with potential investors. SmallBusiness.co.uk talks to co-founder Luke Lang.

Store

FT Guide to Personal Tax

The FT Guide to Personal Tax is published by Pearson Education. Written by Sara Williams, CEO of Vitesse Media Plc and John Bloxham, this unique guide gives step-by-step advice to completing your tax return as well as over 230 tax-saving tips.

Growth Company Investor

Growth Company Investor is widely recognised as the leading magazine for investors interested in AIM and smallcap companies. Published 10 times per year, and brought to you by an award-winning analyst team, it offers subscribers unrivalled insight into high-potential smaller companies. Subscribe today with a 50% discount in your first year.

FT Guide to Business Start Up

The FT Guide to Business Start Up 2012, published by Pearson Education, is written by Sara Williams, CEO of Vitesse Media Plc. This unique guide has sold over two million copies. It offers practical advice about starting and running your own business.