Small businesses in need of tech skills

Small businesses have indicated that they feel they are in need of upping their skills when it comes to technology.

Research from Simply Business found that one in five business owners do not think that they have the basic IT skills they require to run their business. Furthermore, 40 per cent reckon that their lack of skills are holding back their business.

Unfortunately, these worries are far from unfounded. Technology is being used by consumers in an increasing number of areas. Retail, for example, is shifting to the online spectrum and customers are even starting to buy things through their smartphones as a matter of course. Small businesses that aren't able to jump on this trend are likely to find themselves at a disadvantage in the market given that the average UK consumer spent nearly £1,100 on online shopping last year.

As more people start to engage in social media, this could also be a missed opportunity for those small businesses that aren't able to participate due to a lack of skills.

Ultimately, technology and the internet is a whole new world of business opportunities that needn't be a difficult world to enter but will require some effort and time to learn how to navigate.