Research has found that businesses in the South East could bolster their revenues by £19.5bn and take on 173,000 staff, if they had greater access to technology.
The report was compiled by Oxford Economics and Virgin Media Businesses, who interviewed senior executives at more than 1,000 UK based companies, including 213 from the South East. According to the report more than 38% of companies in the South East provide digital content, products or services and 16% of businesses in the region were classed as digital leaders.
Creation of a fertile area for digital technology will create more than 150,000 jobs over 2 years. Virgin Media Business advised that they are expanding their network significantly to bring the fastest broadband to businesses across the whole country.
Sarah Aspray, Regional Director – South, for Virgin Media Business said:
“Businesses in the South East have much to gain from digital, from increased revenues to greater job opportunities. However work is required to realise digital’s huge potential – businesses have to invest in the right technology, skills and training, while the Government and industry need to provide infrastructure and support.”
The UK is the tech capital of Europe, but digital advances never stop. So if we want to stay ahead, we need more young people studying computing to a higher level.
Caroline Williams, Chief Executive of Norfolk Chamber said:
“This report highlights how important digital technology is to growing businesses. Norwich has Tech City status and there is a growing start up scene. In addition, digital employment in Norwich and Norfolk has now reached more than 14,000. But Norfolk businesses need to be switched on to digital technology innovations. Digital innovation goes hand in hand with technology improvements. Whilst for some, the generation of new high tech products is their business, for the commercial world in general, the future is about how best to use digital technology to solve problems and deliver business, and customer, benefits.”
