The impact of poor connectivity on UK SMEs
21 June 2024
By Helen Goddard
Reading time: 2 minutes
How is poor connectivity financially impacting SMEs in the UK?
UK micro-businesses and small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are facing significant challenges due to poor connectivity, resulting in substantial losses in productivity and business efficiency. Employees are losing valuable working hours each week, unable to get online or complete tasks effectively, which translates into a considerable impact on overall business performance.
Connectivity challenges for SMEs
The professional services and retail sectors, two of the largest in the UK economy, are particularly affected by poor connectivity. Businesses in these sectors often rely heavily on robust online connections for daily operations, from managing client communications to processing sales.
Economic Implications
The broader economic impact of poor connectivity is significant. When SMEs cannot operate efficiently, it affects their contribution to the economy. This is especially concerning at a time when economic growth is sluggish, and businesses are under pressure to perform and contribute to the overall economic recovery.
Cost of living and talent retention
Rising costs and inflation have made it imperative for SMEs to identify areas where they can reduce spending. Many businesses feel that they are overpaying for phone contracts, and are actively seeking cost-cutting measures. Additionally, the quality of technology available to employees plays a crucial role in talent retention.
The need for better support
Many believe that improved mobile phone connectivity could significantly enhance their performance. However, a lack of support and understanding of the latest technology poses a barrier to adoption. SMEs often find the technical language used by the technology industry complex and difficult to understand, which discourages them from upgrading their systems.
Three Business UK's initiative
In response to these challenges, Three Business UK offers Three Business Adapt. This initiative provides tailored connectivity solutions and handsets designed specifically for SMEs, ensuring they have access to the technology they need to succeed. By investing in their network and focusing on the needs of smaller businesses, Three Business aims to alleviate the connectivity issues that have been holding SMEs back.
Snehal Bhudia, Director of Business Propositions & Go to Market at Three UK, emphasises the importance of tailored technology solutions for SMEs:
"Technology providers must tailor their services to meet the needs of SMEs, offering simple, effective tools and high-quality service typically reserved for larger corporations.”
Testimonials and support
Tony Gibbons, Technical Manager at Clearway, a Three Business customer, highlights the importance of strong connectivity:
"Connectivity is crucial for our business performance and employee efficiency. Poor connectivity is simply not an option for us, which is why we chose Three Business.”
Craig Beaumont, Federation of Small Businesses Chief of External Affairs, underscores the broader implications:
"Poor connectivity can significantly hold back UK small businesses. Reliable digital, mobile, and vocal connectivity is essential for economic growth and productivity.”
Author: Helen Goddard
Helen has been the lead business copywriter at Three Business since 2021. With 19 years' experience as a professional writer, proofreader, and editor, she creates engaging and valuable business content. Helen has an MA in Professional Writing with Distinction from Falmouth University, and brings a passion for finding the right words for every area of business.