Third of small businesses yet to make use of government’s digital transformation supports
A new survey by digital growth consultancy Lean BPI has revealed that just over a third (34%) of small business owners had not made use of any government digital supports, yet almost half (46%) said cost was their greatest inhibitor of digital transformation. However, 75% expressed a desire to learn more about available supports.
The research of 100 business owners in Ireland with 20 employees or fewer, by Censuswide on behalf of Lean BPI found that other major obstacles cited by businesses included legacy systems and cyber security risks (36% each) and connectivity issues (29%). The latter appears to be a significantly greater issue for organisations who are fully remote, some 37% who operate this working model said connectivity was a barrier.
Concerningly, one-third (34%) of small business owners reported feeling unable to keep up with the pace of their rivals’ modernisation efforts.
In addition, small enterprises recognised the significance of digital adoption in general, with 64% agreeing digital transformation is helping their business to grow. This is evident in the research which found 38% of businesses were getting further sales and prospective leads through their social media channels. It was therefore unsurprising that 75% said they plan to invest more in digital over the next 12 months, and 70% had a clear digital strategy for their business in place.
John O’Shanahan, founder and managing director, Lean BPI, said: “Although cost is a significant factor in digital adoption, government grants can substantially ease the financial burden for small enterprises. The research suggests that inconsistent behaviour may stem from an awareness gap, with over three-quarters of small businesses eager to learn more about the supports available.
“With external pressures and intensified competition at play, small enterprises risk falling behind if they fail to adapt to the digital environment. It’s essential that they conduct their own research and engage with their Local Enterprise Office Network to help break down the barriers to digital adoption. Encouragingly, the majority of small business owners are already on the right path, with a clear digital strategy in place for their business. With the right supports and guidance available, small enterprises can embrace digital transformation with their arms wide open and strengthen their position within the market in spite of external challenges.”
TechCentral Reporters
Subscribers 0
Fans 0
Followers 0
Followers