January 22nd, 2016
As more and more business is carried out online, reliable and fast internet is now an essential for small companies. Fast broadband availability is therefore likely to be a key consideration for both start-ups and established firms looking for office space.
A new survey by the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) found that 99% of small companies regard the internet as highly important to their work. But many companies feel they are being held back by a lack of access to reliable broadband and lower than acceptable speeds. The FSB is calling for action to give more reliable and faster services across the UK.
Problems Caused by Slow Internet
Slow or unreliable broadband inevitably hits the productivity of companies. Low speeds, or connections which keep breaking down, mean it can take much longer to carry out relatively simple tasks, such as updating websites or social media feeds. Carrying out even basic research online, perhaps by visiting websites for your particular industry, also takes up far more time than it should.
Having to work with slow broadband also makes it hard to give customers a good service and fulfil the expectations of a digital age. For instance, if you have a low-speed connection, it may take a long time to receive or send large files such as plans and drawings, making it extremely difficult for architects or graphic designers to communicate with clients.
Low speeds tend to be a particular problem for companies based in villages and rural areas, and for individuals working from home in this type of location. Business owners who rely on technology may find it impractical to operate in an area with poor digital connectivity, and need to explore alternatives such as taking on an office space rental in an area with better services.
Even where speeds are adequate, there is often concern over unreliable internet connections. Only 18% of companies in the FSB survey said they were very satisfied with the reliability of their business broadband and 30% somewhat satisfied, while 22% were somewhat unsatisfied and 15% said they were very unsatisfied.
Raising Digital Awareness
As well as highlighting problems with slow broadband speeds, the FSB survey also shows a lack of awareness among small companies about the benefits of embracing more digital technology. Often companies are not aware that fast broadband has been installed in their area and so do not consider upgrading. It’s also suggested that some SMEs don’t fully realise how making greater use of fast broadband could help their business to grow.
Related to this is the fact that many small companies don’t have access to enough IT support. They could therefore delay making technological changes or using more online services, because they are worried that transferring projects or databases will prove too complicated and things will go wrong. There is also concern over losing valuable staff time in sorting out problems with new systems.
However, delaying in moving to greater use of digital technology can mean companies are stuck with time-consuming old systems and lose out on possible productivity improvements. They may also appear old-fashioned when pitching to prospective clients.
Getting into the Fast Lane
So what can be done to help the situation? Faster broadband is currently being rolled out across the country, but in practice many rural areas in particular get relatively slow speeds even after installation.
Watchdog Ofcom and the Government are looking at a suggested Universal Service Obligation for small businesses with minimum speeds of 5Mbps, but the FSB argues the required level should be at least 10Mbps. It is also calling for a voluntary code of practice by providers giving clearer information about service standards, and asking Ofcom to require internet companies to advertise their minimum as well as maximum speeds.
There are also calls for more effort to raise awareness and take-up of faster broadband in those areas where it is available, by getting the message across about how businesses can benefit from higher speeds.
With the demand for digital services likely to grow steadily in the future, anybody looking for office space should bear in mind the need for high-speed broadband. It’s advisable to check availability in the area where you are considering basing your company before moving into new office accommodation.
Basepoint Business Centres are all in easily accessible locations and deliver broadband to tenants via a 100Mbps dedicated line. There is a choice of service levels depending on your needs, with expert IT support on hand when you need it. Customers choosing a virtual office package have free use of the breakout areas and wi-fi, and can also book the centres’ serviced meeting rooms.
If you are looking for office space on flexible terms with services including high-speed broadband, contact Basepoint now for details of our centres in areas including Camberley, Haywards Heath and Bromsgrove.
