BCC finds SMEs 'struggling to manage digital services'

06 Oct 2022

A survey of 900 small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) carried out by the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) and Vodafone has revealed that many firms are struggling to manage their digital tools.

The survey showed that 37% of SMEs believe they lack the capacity to manage multiple IT suppliers, licences and contracts. 25% of firms stated that their digital tools are not resilient enough to protect their business from challenging circumstances.

The BCC said that the findings come at a time when many SMEs are already battling rising inflation, spiralling energy costs and low growth.

Shevaun Haviland, Director General of the BCC, said: 'In an environment where businesses are facing spiralling energy costs, record inflation and a declining economy, firms must feel confident in the technology they rely on to serve their needs and carry them into the future.

'Our Connectivity Survey has highlighted significant areas of concerns for businesses, with firms expressing particularly low levels of confidence in the flexibility and value for money offered to them by suppliers.

'Finding the right connectivity tools for firms can not only save time and money - it can also help future-proof businesses against further challenges down the line.'