Skip to main content
Facilitate Magazine: Informing Workplace and Facilities Management Professionals - return to the homepage Facilitate magazine logo
  • Search
  • Visit Facilitate Magazine on Facebook
  • Visit Facilitate Magazine on LinkedIn
  • Visit @Facilitate_Mag on Twitter
Visit the website of the Institute of Workplace and Facilities Management Logo of the Institute of Workplace and Facilities Management

Main navigation

  • Home
  • News
    • Comment
    • People
    • Reports
    • Research
  • Features
    • Analysis
    • Features
    • Round Tables
    • Webinars
  • Outsourcing
    • Contract Finder
    • Contracts
    • FM Business Models
    • Interviews
    • Mergers & Acquisitions
    • Opinion
    • Procurement
    • Trends
  • Know-How
    • Explainers
    • Legal Updates
    • White Papers
  • Jobs
  • Topics
    • Workplace Services
      • Hospitality
      • Catering
      • Cleaning
      • Front of House
      • Grounds Maintenance
      • Helpdesk
      • Mailroom
      • Manned Guarding / Security
      • Pest Control
      • Washroom Services
      • Disaster Recovery
      • Specialist Services
    • Professional Performance
      • Behavioural Change
      • Continual Professional Development
      • Education
      • Management
      • Recruitment
      • Training
    • Workplace Performance
      • Benchmarking
      • Health & Wellbeing
      • Operational Readiness
      • Procurement
      • Security
      • Workplace User Experience
      • Workplace Culture
    • Compliance
      • Health & Safety
      • Risk & Business Continuity
      • Standards
      • Statutory Compliance
    • Building Services
      • Architecture & Construction
      • Asset Management
      • Building Controls
      • Building Fabric
      • Drinking Water
      • Fire Protection
      • HVAC
      • Landscaping
      • Mechanical & Electrical
      • Building Security
      • Water, Drainage & Plumbing
    • Technology
      • Building Information Modelling
      • CAFM
      • Data & Networks
      • Document Management
      • Information Management
      • Internet of Things (IoT)
      • Software & Systems
    • Energy management
      • Energy Management Systems
      • Electricity
      • Gas
      • Solar
      • Wind
    • Sustainability
      • Environmental Quality
      • Social Value
      • Waste Management
      • Recycling
    • Workspace Design
      • Agile Working
      • Fit-Out & Refurbishment
      • Inclusive Access
      • Lighting
      • Office Interiors
      • Signage
      • Space Planning
      • Storage
      • Vehicle Management / Parking
      • Washroom
    • Sectors
      • Corporate Office
      • Education
      • Healthcare
      • Manufacturing
      • International
      • Retail
      • Sports & Leisure
      • Regions
  • Buyers' Guide
Quick links:
  • Home
  • Topics
News
Home
Sectors
Topics
News
Home
Sectors

Slow uptake of tech stifles UK SMEs

Open-access content Tuesday 27th November 2018
Wifi

27 November 2018 | Herpreet Kaur Grewal


Three quarters of UK SMEs may be failing to embrace workplace technologies such as cloud, mobile working and BYOD, stifling their growth, productivity and employee engagement, according to research.  


The study titled 'The Missed Middle' commissioned by Crown Workspace, states that despite IT analyst Gartner forecasting that by 2022 cloud will make up almost a third of IT spending, only a quarter of SMEs are highly prepared for it. This lack of cloud innovation could impact SMEs' business agility, security and financial efficiency.


Voice technology has seen huge adoption over the past few years, however, fewer than one in five respondents are ready for it in the workplace. 


Equally, despite the ubiquity of mobile devices, only a quarter feel very prepared as a business to enable proper mobile working and accommodating personal devices. 


However, some new technologies such as Li-Fi (cellular wireless networking using light) and automated heating and lighting are creeping onto the SME agenda. 


The research stated that the good news is most respondents feel their connectivity is up to the mark, as only one in five said they need better broadband speed and Wi-Fi to support expansion. However, technology seems to take a back seat when it comes to growth strategies, with more SMEs worrying about having better storage facilities as they grow.


Over two thirds of SME owners admit their current workplace, including its lack of technological innovation, is limiting engagement with employees and their ability to retain the best talent. Cost is the most common barrier preventing SMEs from creating the optimum workspace that features modern technology.


Simon Gammell, director at Crown Workspace, said: "Modern technology has created a new set of rules for the workplace. Tech such as Wi-Fi, remote storage and mobile are what employees expect, and that's what SME owners should consider first when designing a workspace to ensure that their people can work and communicate effectively. Design factors such as layout, equipment and furniture are also massively important too but should not come at the detriment of technology."


Hugh Prissick, owner of project management company, Storey, says: "Landlords are conscious that occupiers need faster broadband speeds and greater access to strong wireless connections, amongst other technological advances. Future proofing buildings is difficult but landlords and developers are placing technology at the heart of the design of new buildings."


The survey was carried out independently with 500 owners of SMEs with 150 employees or less from across the UK.



You might also like...

Share
  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • Linked in
  • Mail
  • Print

Today's top reads

 

Latest Jobs

FM Helpdesk Manager

London (Central)
£35000.00 - £45000.00 per annum
Reference
55696

Building Services Senior Coordinator - Contract Position

Sutton
Up to £45,000 OR Equivalent Rate
Reference
55695

FM Customer Services Manager

London
GBP35000 - GBP40000 per annum + flexible benefits, pension
Reference
55694
See all jobs »

 

 

Sign up to our newsletter

News, jobs and updates

Sign up

Subscribe to print

Sign up to receive our bi-monthly magazine

Subscribe
Facilitate magazine cover, June 2020
​
FOLLOW US
@Facilitate_Mag
Facilitate Magazine
Facilitate Magazine
CONTACT US
Contact us
Tel: 020 7880 6200
​

IWFM

About IWFM
Become a member
Qualifications
Events

Information

Privacy Policy
Terms & Conditions
Cookie Policy
Think Green

Get in touch

Contact us
Advertise with us
Subscribe to Facilitate Magazine
Write for Facilitate Magazine

General

IWFM Jobs
Help

www.facilitatemagazine.com and Facilitate magazine are published by Redactive Media Group. All rights reserved. Reproduction of any part is not allowed without written permission.

Redactive, Level 5, 78 Chamber Street, London, E1 8BL