UK micro-businesses lack digital skills

Hundreds of thousands of micro-businesses are still not online due to a lack of digital knowledge, according to a recent report by 123 Reg.

Of the 1,000 businesses surveyed, 70% said they wanted to expand their business online but did not have the tech know-how to do so.

The study found that just 38% of small businesses and around 50% of one-man-band businesses questioned have a website, suggesting barriers remain. Small businesses make up a fifth of the UK economy and are currently worth £763bn, a figure that could be boosted by 14% with more digital knowledge, the report has suggested.

Additionally, many businesses are missing out on opportunities to market their business online: 73% said they did not advertise online and 42% reported having no digital presence. SEO and other terminology stumped 48% of those surveyed, and only 53% said their websites were easily read on a mobile device.

Nick Leech, digital director at 123 Reg, said:

“Micro-businesses are time-poor and resource light, juggling multiple hats on a daily basis. Lengthy digital guides that may work for larger companies are not right for them. What micro-businesses need is a more direct steer on the one or two things they should implement to help their businesses grow and thrive. It’s about learning the little things that can take you a long way.”

To find out more about improving your digital skills, click here.