Technology adopters better positioned in recession, says BT Business

Tom Young, Computing, Monday 19 October 2009 at 12:02:00

Remote working, social marketing and better broadband are beneficial

Smaller businesses at the forefront of technology adoption have been least impacted by the recession, according to research from BT businesses.

Companies with a positive attitude to technology adoption had a 69 per cent better than average experience of the recession, whereas technology laggards suffered a recession that was 34 per cent worse than the average company.

The survey of 7,200 businesses found that smaller, more agile firms found it easier to adopt new technology.

Almost a third (30 per cent) say that they have saved money through using technology while over a quarter (28 per cent) say that they have found more customers through its use.

Almost one in five (18 per cent) cited the use of technology to support flexible working as important.

Mick Hegarty, strategy director at BT Business, said many small businesses who have kept pace with technology adoption feel the recession is coming to an end.

“More than ever technology has a critical role to play in the future success of these businesses, helping them to find new customers, market themselves more effectively and reduce costs,” he said.

Nearly two thirds (61 per cent) of businesses said faster broadband speeds have had a positive impact on their business.

Smaller organisations are also increasingly turning to social media to improve the way they operate, with one in five respondents turning to support forums, Twitter and blogs to market their business and attract and retain customers, according to the research.

Former trade minister Lord Digby Jones, said: “The [research] highlights that optimism is on the rise. Equipping firms with the right technology and support will help tip the economy from recession into recovery in 2010.”