43% of SMEs in the UK believe that they will need enhanced or increased digital capabilities in the next three years, in order to cope with the ever-changing needs of businesses today.
Of that number, 77% are worried about how they will successfully upskill, with many firms citing difficulties finding suitably skilled staff and the level of investment required as potential stumbling blocks.
CEO of Close Brothers Invoice Finance, David Thomson, commented: “Our survey results suggest that many SMEs do not feel adequately equipped for the future and they are concerned that finding staff with the appropriate skills will be a challenge."
The figures come from the latest Close Brothers Business Barometer, a quarterly survey that seeks to canvass the opinion of SME owners and managers across the UK on a range of issues that affect their business.
Mr Thomson continued: “According to a recent paper published by 02, The Future Digital Skills Needs of the UK Economy*, there is a requirement for almost three quarters of a million (745,000) additional workers with digital skills to meet the rising demand from employers and fuel our economy between now and 2017.
“As a result, we need to explore how the UK can prepare to compete in a digital global economy. Perhaps it is becoming necessary for businesses to look towards the younger generation to help address the growing skills gap.”
The survey also revealed that, of the firms who do not believe they will have any requirement for increased digital ability, 31% of those do not consider digital skills as relevant to their business.
“All SMEs should consider the importance of digital skills in their workforce and the value these skills can bring. With £107 billion forecast to be spent online in 2014**, it is vital that SMEs are equipped for e-commerce and have the skills required to engage customers via as many online channels as possible, including their own websites and through social media. Additional industry support is needed to deliver digital skills education in schools and also help young people into digital roles by offering more practical work experience.
“By working hand-in-hand with the government, UK firms can help to tackle this issue and ensure that we have the skills required to compete on a global level,” added Mr Thomson.
* The Future Digital Skills Needs of the UK Economy, 2013
** IMRG Capgemini e-Retail Sales Index, 2013
