IT ‘critical to business growth’, survey finds

Feb 13 IT ‘critical to business growth’, survey finds

New research, conducted by the Epsom Business Council, has revealed that more than half of UK small businesses feel IT is a critical part of their drive for growth.

It is also imperative for innovation and productivity, the survey found.

Some 27 per cent of those polled said that IT helps attract and retain staff. Two per cent, by contrast, said that it is an unnecessary expense.

Chris Price, managing director at Epson UK, commented: "Whether it's the cost burden, or a natural British conservatism, our attitude isn't as bullish for the impact new technology could have on further growth as our European counterparts."

Despite this assertion, Mr Price added that small business owners have a very healthy view of the general role IT can play in driving business growth.

Firms have, he observed, put in "the money and time required to ensure staff are equipped with the modern tools they need to do their jobs efficiently".