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Local Businesses and "One-Man-Bands" Now Dependent on Smartphones

This Small Business Advice Week, with many workers on the move, smartphones have become a necessity to the success of small businesses during the tough economic climate
Lifestyle, Technology - 7 September 2010   Download IconContent available for download:  
Audio | Interview with Rory O'Neill| Login to Download

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Small and medium enterprises are crucial to both the economy and employment in the UK. They are responsible for more than half of the employment (59.4 per cent) and turnover (50.1 per cent) in British business. However, the current state of the economy is a large obstacle to success for SME employers.

During these tough times however, small businesses are continuing to invest in technology, especially smartphones which have become a necessity to SMEs with workers on the move. 65% state that technology helps their business by allowing increased staff flexibility and ability keep in touch with customers and suppliers, while nearly half say that it has improved the productivity of their workforce. 30% of small businesses say mobile technologies have even enabled them to cut costs through reduced fixed office space.

These factors have led to more business owners utilsing the latest technology as nearly half (46%) of SME decision makers believe they can be more productive on the move. There has been an 81% increase in the number of smartphone users in the last year alone and multi-tasking now accounts for a fifth of media and communications usage.

. Introduction:

As the Bank of England issue a warning about prospects for the UK economy and countless financial experts point to a “significant” risk of falling back into recession, it’s vitally important that small businesses make the most of their time in the office and on the move. More SMEs are investing in the latest technology, with an 81% increase in the number of smartphone users as many say mobile technologies have increased flexibility and allowed them to cut costs.

This Small Business Advice Week, why is it smartphones that will help small businesses beat the pessimistic forecasts?

Joining us in the studio is Rory O’Neill, an expert in small business from BlackBerry.

. Suggested Questions:

How many small businesses are there in our area and how do we compare to the rest of the UK?

What are the most important factors for the success of small businesses?

How can small business owners become more productive on the move?

Is there a way that small businesses can cut running costs?

Why are smartphones becoming so popular for business owners?

Where can we find out more information?