Super SME’s using IT to beat downturn

While 30 per cent of small to medium enterprises (SMEs) expect to fail in 2009, SMEs with a strong investment in IT infrastructure, have been dubbed ‘super’ because of their readiness to survive the downturn.

According to a survey by Plantronics, two out of three SMEs are expecting a reduction in financial turnover within the next six months, while three out of ten expect to fail by autumn 2009. 21 per cent however, have either not been effected by the slowdown or have found that business is booming.

Investing in IT has helped 47 per cent of so-called super SMEs stay afloat. Super SMEs are also three times more likely to have a plan to follow in times of economic crisis while six out of ten SME managers will not.

“During times of economic uncertainty SMEs tend to view investment in IT, staff training and marketing as luxuries instead of necessities,” Paul Clark, general manager of Plantronics said. “This research shows super SMEs bucking convention and investing wisely in some or all of these areas are the most confident about the future and better placed to operate in the changing marketplace.”

Investing in a reliable business broadband service can help your business cut costs during the downturn. To find out more about how broadband can save you money, see our articles Using business broadband effectively, and Savings for business; cheap phone, broadband and utilities.

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