x
RECEIVE BUSINESS MK FREE TO YOUR DOOR EACH MONTH, COURTESY OF ROYAL MAIL.
* indicates required

IT campaign aims to boost productivity

EEDA is to invest £2.8 million in the takeITon programme, which will see a package of practical and financial support measures delivered to businesses in the region over three years.

The programme recognises that a strong IT infrastructure for the region is critical to improving the productivity and efficiency both of individual businesses and the prosperity of the region as a whole, said an EEDA spokesman.

The awareness-raising campaign running alongside the support programme aims to encourage businesses to think again about the way they use IT and to enable them to become more competitive, visible and profitable as a result. Dedicated IT advisers back up the support available to businesses in the region through Business link.

The package of support also includes a specialist diagnostic IT healthcheck available to help businesses to identify their IT needs, regular advice clinics and seminars run by Business Link and a dedicated website www.takeiton.org.uk.

EEDA chair Richard Ellis (pictured) said: "It is no secret that a strong IT infrastructure has the ability to drive business success, but when we compared this aspect of our performance as a region to others, we realised there was a need to boost the region’s use of IT in business.

"If we can encourage businesses across the region to adopt improved IT practices, they will reap the rewards in productivity and efficiency which, in turn, will benefit the economic prosperity of the region as a whole."

Pat Smith, chief executive of Business Link in the East of England, added: "At the core of this initiative is the investment in additional frontline expert IT advisers who will provide specialist support to businesses in the region.

"Every company that meets with an adviser will come away with an independent audit that will help them plan and develop their IT systems going forward. This is a great opportunity for businesses that don’t have in-house IT expertise to call Business Link and arrange for an expert to conduct an independent IT review."


More from Bedford:

More information technology articles: