Upgrading tech is helping British businesses bounce back
Our report has found the general public is ready to stand up and support small British businesses. As the world has opened up again, it’s the perfect time to think ahead and get your business ready for consumer spending. We’ve searched to find out how small businesses could bounce back to pre-covid times.
Shoppers stay local
As customers started coming back after Covid, many small businesses introduced new technology to keep their customer base happy, with upgraded websites, new contactless payment options and online booking systems topping the list of technology upgrades made by small business owners.
But it’s not just customer facing technology – nearly half of small businesses have installed a smart meter to help them keep track of their energy bills.
Looking to the future
As we look ahead to the future, it’s clear that customers think about sustainability when they spend their hard-earned money. Our research found that nearly half of customers are more likely to visit a business that cares about being sustainable.
Businesses have been considering their eco-credentials when making tech upgrades and getting their small business fit for the future. Nearly half of small businesses are now smart meter users, with 1 in 10 installing a smart meter since the start of the pandemic and a further 1 in 4 saying they have either applied for one or plan to get one.
Smart meters aren’t just good for the environment – of the small business owners who’ve had one installed, three-quarters say they’re now more conscious about their businesses’ energy usage. This increase in awareness could lead to savings on your monthly utility bill.
Jason's top tips
To help small businesses meet the demands of spending, Smart Energy GB have partnered with Small Business Britain and The Gadget Show’s Jason Bradbury to find out how embracing tech upgrades, especially those that can help make your business safer and more sustainable, will ensure they’re ready for the busy times ahead.
Jason says: “...embracing technology can be really good for business. Many tech upgrades come at no or very little cost and not only make businesses more efficient but also more sustainable.”
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Go contactless
Customers rarely carry cash now and with contactless payment limits having been raised during lockdown, paying with a tap has never been easier. It’s not just convenient for consumers - contactless payments can help reduce the risk associated with handling cash and cut down on your admin time.
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Upgrade your business broadband
Slow and unreliable Wi-Fi is the last thing you need when trying to accept bookings or take payments (particularly outdoors) so making sure you have a speedy connection can really boost your business.
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Use the cloud
Migrating to cloud software doesn’t just reduce the backlog of paperwork – it makes it easier for you to access business critical management systems on the go, and what’s more it can lower your businesses vulnerability to cyber-attacks.
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Make sure your website is mobile friendly
Google algorithms prioritise mobile-friendly websites so make sure you’re giving you page a chance and streamlining it for mobile and tablet tech. With so many consumers now discovering businesses via their phones, this has never been more important.
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Find out if your business is eligible for a smart meter
A smart meter puts you in control of your energy usage. Automated, accurate bills mean you only pay for the energy you use.
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Stay plugged into digital support
Make the most of all the free help and advice out there to keep on top of new digital trends and updates, and see digital skills as a core business muscle that you need to carry on training and flexing.
Smart meters are available for businesses and installations are now taking place across Great Britain. Find everything you need to know about how to request a smart meter for your small business with our step-by-step guide.
Want to find out more?
- Request a smart meter - find everything you need to know about how to request a smart meter for your small business with our step-by-step guide.
- FAQs about smart meters and small businesses - find the answers to all of your frequently asked questions about smart meters in small businesses.
- Money saving tips for small businesses - our top tips to help your small business cut costs.
FAQs
How long does installation take?
Installations normally take about two hours and are arranged in advance so that you can make any necessary arrangements beforehand to ensure minimal disruption to your normal business operations.
Is my smart meter accurate?
Smart meters are as accurate as traditional meters. By law, all smart meters have to be approved by and certified by the Office of Product Safety & Standards to prove their accuracy. If you believe that there's a fault with your smart meter you can report it to your energy supplier in the same way you do now.