Flexible Working Fuels 15 Percent Rise In SMB Cloud Adoption

More than two thirds of UK SMBs are now using cloud-based applications, with smaller firms viewing smartphones, Wi-Fi and remote access to company data as essential for flexible working.

According to research by BT Business and the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC), 69 percent are now using cloud software – a 15 percent year-on-year increase.

Nine out of ten respondents have at least one employee who works from home and fifth say more than half of staff work away from the main office.

Cloud adoption

Wi-Fi access outside the office was cited as essential by 64 percent of businesses, while remote access to assets was mentioned by 56 percent. Overall, smartphones were viewed as the technology that made the biggest impact over the past year by 68 percent, ahead of improvements to Wi-Fi and cloud apps.

“It is vital to ensure that UK businesses have access to world-class digital infrastructure if they are to maintain their competitiveness in a global marketplace,” said Adam Marshall, executive director of policy and external affairs at the BCC.

“Cloud and mobile technologies are becoming increasingly important as firms expand into new markets and explore new ways of working – especially overseas. It is encouraging to see that so many British firms are adapting their working practices to take advantage of these developments.”

Small businesses can apply for a grant of up to £3,000 to upgrade to superfast broadband as part of the government’s Super Connected City voucher scheme. So far, more than 26,000 vouchers have been issued, with £39.9 million handed out at an average of £1,521 per business.

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