IT could boost UK economy by £35 billion
Mar 10 2008
Better implementation of IT technology, particularly among small businesses, could add £35 billion to the UK economy over the next five to seven years, according to a skills website.
Karen Price, chief executive officer of e-skills UK tells Computing Weekly that adopting new technology can "transform" a small firm.
Research carried out by e-skills UK found that a typical consultancy firm containing 20 engineers could improve productivity by 17 per cent and turnover by 30 per cent by introducing remote access to communications, documents and data.
A specialist manufacturing company transferring its sales, ordering and payment systems online could boost turnover by 40 per cent, she adds.
But Price says most small firms are either unaware of the potential benefits or unsure how to best introduce new technology.
E-skills UK is an employer-led not-for-profit organisation licensed by the government to help ensure Britain has the skills it needs to compete competitively in the global marketplace.