Ninety per cent of firms said in a recent survey that the UK’s industrial strategy will drive up living standards but only if given the priority it needs by the Govermnent.
The CBI has issued a statement urging companies to adopt technologies that raise productivity.
According to the CBI, big productivity differences exist between UK firms and the highest performing businesses are the ones that tackle the challenge by initiating and supporting innovation.
Persuading more firms to adopt the latest technology would help companies reach their full potential and give the UK economy a greater competitive advantage, says the CBI.
Bowe Digital agrees. Technology and innovation can transform business and we see the benefits for our clients everyday.
To make that happen, we offer a range of IT solutions that can help companies streamline their manufacturing processes in everything from quality control to stock management.
Call us on 0191 214 1750 or email info@bowe.co.uk to find out how we can help.
Bowe Digital – we make I.T. happen
We are delighted that the Government’s latest Brexit policy paper on science and innovation placed such a high premium on finding ways to develop new ideas.
Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon recently gave a speech in which she said that supporting innovation was crucial to the Scottish economy.
A new survey has underlined the growing importance of digital technology to businesses of all size.
The British Chambers of Commerce Digital Economy Survey questioned more than 1,400 businesses across the UK and found that 84% of firms say digital and IT skills are more important to their business than two years ago, with 51% saying these skills are ‘significantly’ more important.
However, the survey also found that 20% of businesses had been hit by a cyber-attack in the past 12 months. Big businesses are far more likely than their smaller counterparts to be victims of attacks (42% of companies with more than 100 staff, compared to 18% of companies with fewer than 99 employees).
We agree that digital technology is playing its part to support the growth of the UK economy but that companies also need to maintain their security.
Bowe Digital offers a range of IT solutions that can help businesses take advantage of digital opportunities and we can also advise on ways to avoid falling foul of hackers.
Call us on 0191 214 1750 or email info@bowe.co.uk to find out how.
Bowe Digital – we make I.T. happen
The importance of innovation was underlined when Business Secretary Greg Clark recently named the winners of the Queen’s Awards for Enterprise in celebration of Her Majesty The Queen’s 91st birthday.
One hundred and seventy-six businesses from across the UK were recognised for their contribution to international trade, innovation and , sustainable development in industries from green energy solutions and medical healthcare, to laser technology and digital marketing. Fifty seven won the innovation award.
Greg Clark said: “We have some of the best Action AC entrepreneurs and innovative minds in the world who are at the heart of small start-ups providing excellent customer service to larger businesses developing global solutions.”
We salute them because innovation is key to the success of our economy. Digital technology is playing a key role in promoting innovation and we like to think that we are playing our part. Bowe Digital offers a range of IT solutions that can help manufacturing companies streamline their operations to run smartly, efficiently, and grow.
· Call us on 0191 214 1750 or email info@bowe.co.uk to find out how.
· Bowe Digital – we make I.T. happen
The Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) says that UK small business confidence in the last quarter bounced back to the level reported before the EU referendum campaign began.
According to the FSB’s Small Business Index, confidence has now moved into positive territory, which means that more small businesses feel confident than those that feel the opposite. The confidence measure now stands at +8.5, up from -2.9 in the previous quarter, almost the same level as it stood at the start of 2016.
Mike Cherry, National Chairman at the Federation of Small Businesses, said: “The current economic outlook seems brighter, and UK small businesses are ambitious and want to make the most of it.”
We believe that digital technology is playing its part to support this growing confidence by helping to make companies more competitive. Bowe Digital offers a range of IT solutions that can help businesses take advantage.
Call us on 0191 214 1750 or email info@bowe.co.uk to find out how.
Bowe Digital – we make I.T. happen
Author – Be Everywhere
The Federation of Small Businesses is calling on the Government to ensure that all SMEs receive at least a basic level of broadband by the end of the Parliament.
Nearly half a million (480,000) small businesses cannot access superfast broadband, with 192,000 not even being able to access 10 Mbps and theFSB wants the Government to commit to a Universal Service Obligation (USO), guaranteeing a good service.
Mike Cherry, FSB National Chairman, said: “Too many small businesses are held back by poor broadband coverage and slow speeds.”
We agree – good broadband is crucial if companies are to take advantage of the digital revolution and the services that we offer.
Our IT support services use advanced remote monitoring and preventative maintenance technologies to keep infrastructure optimised. Issues can be identified, reported, and resolved in real time.
Call us on 0191 214 1750 or email info@bowe.co.uk to find out more.
Author – Be Everywhere
A new CBI survey of more than 8,000 businesses – supported by Deloitte and Hays – shows that 70% of respondents plan to increase or maintain their innovation spending following the vote to leave the EU.
Last year business invested almost £21bn on innovation, allowing British firms to develop cutting-edge products and services, attract global investment and expand internationally.
Carolyn Fairbairn, CBI Director-General, said: “Innovation is the nucleus of future economic and social development so it’s encouraging that seven out of ten firms will keep up – or even raise – their spending on new technologies and work practices to grow their business.
“As we prepare to depart the EU, this shows that firms are rolling up their sleeves and looking to make the best of Brexit.”
For many companies, innovation means investing in digital technology. Bowe Digital offers a range of IT solutions that can help companies improve their agility and efficiency.
Call us on 0191 214 1750 or email info@bowe.co.uk to find out how.
Bowe Digital – we make I.T. happen
Cloud computing, or cloud software, has become of the key trends in IT and business over the last couple of years. Cloud computing has been around for a while but with decent internet access now available nearly everywhere in the UK it is starting to come into its own. The basic principle is simple. Rather than buying expensive software, installing it on your computer and then having to back it up and update it regularly you simply pay a small fee to connect to a central server. The company providing the software will make sure it is up to date and backed up properly and you don’t need to install anything on your PC. This makes the whole process much easier.
One of the areas where we have seen a real benefit for new businesses is cloud based accountancy software. Traditional accountancy and bookkeeping software that you could install on your PC ran into hundreds of pounds. The new cloud-based programs, such as Sage One, run from a standard internet browser and cost £10 per month. However, the cost savings are not just in the cost of the software.
Most new businesses used to start out by recording their sales and expenses on an Excel spreadsheet. This works OK but it is relatively hard to run reports based on the Excel figures. Software such as Sage One allows you instantly see who owes you money and email them statements and invoices at the click of a button. This means you can easily stay on top of your cashflow and make sure your business is not losing money.
Most cloud based accountancy software also allows you to give you accountant access to your figures. They can log in to your accounts from their office and check what you are doing. In most cases they will be able to correct mistakes or, if necessary, download your numbers into their own software to prepare the end of year accounts. This saves a lot of time and has the potential to massively reduce your accountancy bills.
There are lots of benefits to using cloud-based software but the top 5 are:
Author – Michael Summers