13.01.2015

Survey Suggests Small Firms Will Focus On Tech

SMEs in the UK will focus on broadband and technology for investment in the year ahead, a new TalkTalk survey suggests.
 
The poll of 1,000 small and medium-sized businesses found that a quarter (27%) were optimistic about their prospects for achieving growth in 2015.
 
Technology was named as one of the top five enablers of that growth, with 90% of those polled saying broadband was a major factor in their success.
 
However, one in five SMEs believed they were unlikely to see any growth in the new year.
 

"With SMEs split on whether they can expect to achieve growth this year, small business decision makers need to take control and have the confidence to demand better value for their business in the coming 12 months," said Charles Bligh, Managing Director for TalkTalk Business.

 
Growing revenues (30%) and creating a happier workforce (20%) topped the lists of new year's resolutions for the country's SMEs.

Expert Opinion

With the economy continuing to improve, it is clear that many small businesses will have ambitious plans for the year ahead. <br/> <br/>"Technology is key to SMEs developing their offerings and also competing with larger businesses in their sectors and it is vital that all companies consider how they can leverage online platforms to achieve their goals. <br/> <br/>"Small firms should also ensure though that they consider key regulatory issues which can emerge when embracing web-based services and platforms, specifically those in relation to the protection of key company and client data. Legal advice is an absolute requisite." Fergal Dowling - Partner