Pandemic perspectives on digital adoption by small businesses

Posted on 11th October 2021 by WHITEHEAD Emily

By Jonathan Westlake, Entrepreneur in Residence and Help To Grow Team member.

Whether we are Post pandemic or still in the pandemic is academic, it is clear from recent research outputs that the pandemic has been a watershed for businesses in general, a forced catalyst for change. In the mix of all that change is Digital.

Much is written about “digital” some of it evangelical, some of it useful, some of it repetitious, regurgitating of bandwagon headlines, do this! do that! you need to be doing this! Over the early part of October 2021, we have seen numerous events/directions emerge in the news, the current UK’s drive towards a digitally skilled (BCS 2021), high wage economy, the fragilities of social medium platforms, the continuing debate about the digital divide within the UK firms and workforce and don’t mention Gas!

It is well documented (ERC 2021) that over the last 18 months of the pandemic business landscape, firms who embraced digital change or initiated digital change insulated themselves somewhat from the ravages of the circumstances. Digital technology can be seen a disruptor if employed with thought and can provoke the chance to do a so called “pivot”. The rise of click and collect, the role of eCommerce and a growing reliance of internet enabled systems are evidence of adapted business models.

Digital adoption is not new, the computerisation, automation of business processes, communication via remote means has existed from 50+ years. What is unprecedented with the Covid 19 pandemic has been the scale, the response needed to survive, and justifying savings, whilst helping a business grow.

Refreshing the drive towards digital readiness for small firms is important and there is help available. Answers to questions regarding: What low cost and “doable” digital adoption opportunities are out there? And how do we go about it?

A non-ad Hoc plan is recommended to examine areas of a business that may benefit from digitisation. With an awareness of what the “as is” areas of the business are, it is worthwhile reviewing how digital technology can create a “to be” over a period. Building a digital adoption plan can help map out change. On the Help to Grow programme (SBC 2021) this digital adoption investigation and strategy forms part of the programme.

Opportunities for digital adoption include a myriad of normal business functions ranging from marketing to operations. Research has also shown that senior management support, and the involvement of other stakeholders is vital to avoid disappointment. Challenging the existing digital presence with a firm can be highly beneficial and informative for the digital adoption plan: what impact does the existing website have; is anyone responding to the social media channels; has electronic documentation quickened the flow of data within the organisation?

The digital adoption opportunities available to a small business will of course depend on the context. The small business that finds the time to address digital adoption will find reward. To mitigate the time, join the Help to Grow programme (SBC 2021), network with other businesses in a matter-of-fact way and plan a digital way forward.

Ready to learn more with Help To Grow in Staffordshire? Book your place today.

References:

British Computer Society (BCS)

Small Business Charter (SBC) – Help to Grow Management

Enterprise Research Centre (ERC)

Digital readiness, Digital adoption and Digitalisation of UK SMEs Amidst the Covid-19 crisis

If you would like to contact Jonathan, please email htg@staffs.ac.uk today.

Help To Grow is officially announced

Posted on 8th October 2021 by WHITEHEAD Emily

Staffordshire University has officially announced the start of the Help To Grow in the county. Here’s a highlight of their Press Release and read in full here.

Business leaders throughout Staffordshire are being invited to take part in a new training programme designed to boost business growth.

HTG 50hrs Header Twitter branded resize — **Help to Grow is 90 per cent funded by government**

Available through Staffordshire University, the Help To Grow Management programme is 90 per cent funded by government and will support senior managers of small and medium sized businesses (SMEs) to boost their business performance, resilience and long-term growth.

Emily Whitehead, Entrepreneur in Residence at Staffordshire University, is a business coach and founder of Simply Great Britain, who is delivering on the 12-week programme in the New Year.

She said: “We’re delighted to be able to offer two courses, both of which are starting in January and will be delivered both online and through face-to-face workshops. The programme is accredited by the Small Business Charter and we will be supporting our business leaders to build their skills in leadership, innovation, employee engagement, marketing and financial management.

“We know from experience of delivering leadership programmes that businesses learn from each other but one of the benefits of this new programme is the one-to-one support from a mentor who will be working with business leaders to develop their growth plans.”

Professor Jon Fairburn said: “Throughout the pandemic we helped more than 80 businesses through the government-funded Small Business Leadership Programme and the overwhelming feedback was that they felt better equipped to deal with the challenges they face.”

Grace Shiel, Sales Director of Minuteman Press in Trentham was just one of the businesses to benefit from the support offered through Staffordshire University. She said: “The Small Business Leadership programme has really helped my business by giving us the tools to think differently in what has become a very challenging environment. We were given access to knowledge and information in a supported environment which has enabled us to consider what is working, what needs to change and how we can improve.”

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