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Poll shows opportunities and concerns for small businesses in the UK
New services and technologies provide a real growth opportunity for small businesses in the UK, with cloud computing, social networking and mobile technology in particular becoming increasingly attractive. Yet whilst small businesses are enthusiastic about the new tools and technologies available to them, a greater understanding of the associated risks is needed, according to a recent poll.
Small business members attending a Thames Valley Chamber of Commerce Group event hosted by Symantec were polled to find out what they think will offer the biggest opportunities over the next 12 months, but also which business technology they are most worried about.
The poll revealed that social networking and cloud computing offer the biggest opportunities for business growth over the next year, with 47% of those polled saying that social networking provides the biggest opportunity for growth and 63% saying that cloud computing will provide a significant driver for growth.
Despite efforts by the Government and industry bodies to show support for the UK’s small businesses, there is still a reluctance to become dependent on external support, with 70% of those polled saying that it is of least significance to their success, whilst 40% cite sales initiatives and customer rewards as having the most significance.
59% said their biggest business technology worry for the next 12 months is the compromised security of business endpoints, whilst half said that data breaches are also a significant factor. Yet the poll revealed a lack of concern from small businesses
THE BUSINESS MAGAZINE – THAMES VALLEY – NOVEMBER 2011
when it comes to cyber attacks, with over half of those polled saying they were least worried about the risk of cyber attacks on their business over the next 12 months.
Gary Cranford, business manager for Reading, Wokingham and Bracknell at the Thames Valley Chamber of Commerce Group, said: “In today’s knowledge economy, information is the lifeblood of the UK’s 4.8 million small and medium-sized businesses. The focus for entrepreneurs in the UK should be to ensure that their information assets are protected. This poll suggests that education and support are still necessary to help and encourage small businesses to make the best of new technology, without falling foul of the associated risks.”
Ross Walker, director of UK small business and distribution at Symantec, said: “It’s encouraging to see small businesses recognise how they can benefit from new technology as a way to increase the reach and efficiency of their operations. However, the threat landscape is constantly changing and must be taken into account. With more than 286 million new threats detected last year, small businesses must implement the right technology and policies in order to make the most of new tools with confidence. With more money in the bank than consumers and less cyber defences than large enterprises, they cannot afford to overlook the risks but have a valuable contribution to make to the UK economy and to British innovation.”
Small businesses that want to see how they shape up when it comes to meeting today’s information challenges can take a look at a free check-up tool from Symantec at
www.emea.symantec.com/smallbiz- checkup/
Kudos moves into hotels industry with new contract win
Contract caterer Kudos is making its first foray into the hotels industry by signing a multimillion-pound contract to provide all food and venue management services at the historic Aldermaston Manor hotel in Berkshire.
The five-year contract, expected to be worth almost £8 million in total turnover, will see the Romford-based company, which is part of the Crown Group, deliver a wide range of services including conferencing and banqueting, restaurant dining, security, reception, cleaning, portering, sales, marketing and all room maintenance services.
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Aldermaston Manor, which can trace its history back to 1066, boasts 33 bedrooms and four conference and banqueting rooms with capacities of up to 100 people and an additional three syndicate rooms.
The hotel is set in a 140-acre estate of landscaped grounds, which includes a 14-acre lake, on the edge of the village of Aldermaston. The estate is managed by Serviced Office Group plc, an AIM-listed group which owns or manages 23 office and commercial properties, principally in the London area.
Charles Beer, managing partner of the Crown Group, said: “We are really excited about this contract as it demonstrates the fact that our reputation for good food and strong sales ability is growing outside of our traditional sectors.“
Michael Kingshott, chairman of Serviced Office Group, added: “We are excited to have Kudos onboard as we believe the companies will work well together to maximise the potential from the estate and transform it into a world- class business and leisure environment.”
Details:
www.kudosknowhow.co.uk www.businessmag.co.uk
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