Be smart and embrace the latest technology to help your venture

Technology has changed the face of business across the country more than anything else in the last 20 years.

When used in the right way, it has enabled companies to get ahead. Social media, marketing and using new developments to monitor the way a business is run are just a few examples of how forward-thinking entrepreneurs are able to put new technology to very good use.

But it can be fraught with dangers, especially for those who are not tech savvy.

And that is where support and help are vital for anyone launching a new business or looking to take an existing one to the next level.

One place offering such guidance is Smarta, an advice and networking resource for people starting and running a small business. Backed by some of the UK’s top entrepreneurs, it provides independent support, and has produced a free, downloadable ebook, available from its website, which looks specifically at how technology can help a business grow.

Matt Thomas, creator and chief operating officer of Smarta, says the company’s entire business plan was to use technology to drastically improve the quality of business support in the UK.

“How can we keep pushing technology to better deliver what we do is a question we challenge ourselves to ask every day.”

The ebook contains the thoughts of 20 entrepreneurs who have grown their business through embracing technology.

It includes guidance on social media, marketing and the importance of websites, and also practical tips on what can work and what might be a waste of time and resource.

As well as marketing, another crucial role of technology is to monitor the success or otherwise of a business, and highlight areas which can be improved. This can be crucial, especially when a new business is finding its feet.

There is a wealth of technological support for businesses across the region, and banks such as RBS have relationship managers who are based locally and are on hand to help.

Daniel Jacklin, a senior relationship manager with RBS, has vast experience in helping businesses.

He said: “It is crucial, for example with manufacturing businesses, to have the right technology and use the latest equipment to ensure profitability and the efficient running of a business.

“This can be from using the right accounting software to keep your books in order, to using machines with technological advances to speed up production.

“It’s important to use technology in the management of your business – taking the downtime to understand where you are profitable and are being efficient, or identifying areas where you can make improvements. It is vital, and you ignore it at your peril.”

One of the strengths of the RBS relationship managers is that they have a network of contacts with huge knowledge of the use of technology, who can help a start-up company or an established one which is looking to expand.

• RBS England & Wales is to be the future Williams & Glyn, a new bank for both personal and business customers with a particular strength in supporting SMEs.

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