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TakeITon campaign releases first in-depth survey into digital health of East of England businesses

A ground-breaking survey released as part of EEDA's takeITon campaign has revealed that 1 in 4 businesses (24 per cent) in the East of England remain in a digital desert by not using computers or IT in day-to-day business.

Perhaps more worryingly, some 21 per cent of businesses in the region still have no plans to introduce IT of any kind. 

The startling findings were published today in new research conducted by the East of England Development Agency as part of its takeITon campaign. It is the first, and most in depth report of its kind, looking at the digital health of businesses across the region.

It also revealed that over three quarters of businesses (77 per cent) have no plans to sell their products or services online and almost 4 in 10 (36 per cent) say that doing business online isn’t important. 

A number of reasons were cited for not using IT, the most prevalent perceptions being that IT was either not relevant for the size or nature of business in question, or indeed that there were no benefits to be had from using IT.

However, according to the same survey, those businesses already embracing IT for things like managing finances and processing customer orders, reported higher profits and turnover than those who chose not to.

The survey also revealed how environmental considerations are featuring in some businesses’ approach towards using IT:

• 31% said they were using IT to help reduce commuting (i.e. by remote working)
• 31% said they were using IT to reduce energy use
• 26% said they were using IT to help reduce business travel (i.e. by using teleconferencing)

Jan Pinkerton, Head of Business ICT and Intelligence at EEDA, said:  “EEDA’s research clearly shows a link between the use of IT and increased turnover and profitability but worryingly demonstrates that there are still a large number of businesses in the East of England who are failing to see the benefits that IT can bring.  Good IT systems and processes are vital to the success of a modern-day business and are crucial to gaining new customers and to driving sales.  They are also key to boosting the regional economy as a whole.

In November 2007 EEDA launched the takeITon campaign - a £2.8 million programme of IT support for businesses in the region. This will see a package of practical and financial support measures delivered to businesses during a three-year period, and includes the provision of specialist Business Link IT Advisers and the takeITon Business IT guide.

Jan continued:  “As part of EEDA’s takeITon campaign, we have worked with e-skills UK to produce an IT guide for businesses offering information on how they can get started and establish the right processes and systems for their business.”