Small businesses urged to exploit IT potential

Small business managers are being encouraged to further exploit the growth potential of their firms by making changes to their IT strategy.

According to a YouGov survey commissioned by the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) and Microsoft, half of small businesses are not backing up data every day, with the firm's efficiency suffering as a result.

The results of the survey, which were unveiled at the UK launch of the Microsoft Office system, held at the British Library last week, also show that small businesses are suffering as a result of their failure to implement adequate security measures.

They also show that two-thirds of firms spend approximately £1,259 each year.

David Frost, director general of the BCC, said: "This research shows how far small businesses have come in recent years and how much they all rely on their computers."

However, he also said that "too much time is still being taken up fixing problems that could have been avoided".

He added: "Regularly some simple tasks like data back-up or scanning for viruses can make all the difference and now this couldn't be easier to do."

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