eBusiness in the East Midlands
I attended the launch of EMDA's "Challenge of e-adoption in the East Midlands Survey 2006" - a very interesting review of the uptake of IT by small businesses in the region.
It's a hefty report, but I reckon one key message was made:
Where do companies go for IT advice? They most commonly ask friends and family, with only 20% going to an IT supplier or professional for guidance.
Who is the main source of IT help in small businesses?
31% of companies depend on an IT enthusiast whose main job is not IT. Alternatively, 38% have either no support or just don't know where to go. And that leaves roughly a third that have got their IT support organised. No wonder businesses are crying out for help.
If you're interested in learning more about the survey results, get in touch.
It's a hefty report, but I reckon one key message was made:
36% of businesses in the region don't even have a computer
This "intransigent third" just don't see the need for computers. 80% of these non-adopters said they would be unlikely to ever start using a computer. Never have, never will.
One sector with a very high proportion (59%) of non-adopters is Hotels and Restaurants. This seems surprising (and daft,) since most consumers are using the Internet to research and book holidays, tourism activities and entertainment.
The big question is: should the government just let these companies just go their sweet Luddite way? What, if anything, should EMDA do to help these businesses see the Computing Light?
Or would it be better if EMDA spent their valuable pounds instead supporting those businesses that have at least taken the first step towards deploying some kind of computer technology? And just wait for those non-adopting small businesses owners to retire or go bust?
Of those businesses in the East Midlands that do have a computer:
This "intransigent third" just don't see the need for computers. 80% of these non-adopters said they would be unlikely to ever start using a computer. Never have, never will.
One sector with a very high proportion (59%) of non-adopters is Hotels and Restaurants. This seems surprising (and daft,) since most consumers are using the Internet to research and book holidays, tourism activities and entertainment.
The big question is: should the government just let these companies just go their sweet Luddite way? What, if anything, should EMDA do to help these businesses see the Computing Light?
Or would it be better if EMDA spent their valuable pounds instead supporting those businesses that have at least taken the first step towards deploying some kind of computer technology? And just wait for those non-adopting small businesses owners to retire or go bust?
Of those businesses in the East Midlands that do have a computer:
- 83% have broadband
- 64% have a website
- only 60% of businesses with 11-49 employees have a website
- and an amazing 13% of businesses with 50-249 employees don't have a website
Where do companies go for IT advice? They most commonly ask friends and family, with only 20% going to an IT supplier or professional for guidance.
Who is the main source of IT help in small businesses?
31% of companies depend on an IT enthusiast whose main job is not IT. Alternatively, 38% have either no support or just don't know where to go. And that leaves roughly a third that have got their IT support organised. No wonder businesses are crying out for help.
If you're interested in learning more about the survey results, get in touch.
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