Government launches a digital Business Growth Service for SMEs
The government's new Business Growth Service, launching in H1 2025, represents a significant digital transformation of SME support services. The announcement is particularly significant against the backdrop of recent export initiatives, including a new European export webinar program and the Export Support Directory.
The initiative is particularly relevant for tech companies as it promises to modernize the fragmented business support landscape through a centralized digital platform. For tech SMEs dealing with an average of 33 monthly hours on administrative tasks, this streamlined approach could free up valuable resources for innovation and growth.
Of note for the tech sector is the initiative's alignment with broader policy moves, including:
Integration with the upcoming Small Business Strategy and Industrial Strategy
Enhanced access to finance through the British Business Bank's £1 billion commitment
Boosting exports via a new European exporting webinar programme, beginning a new Export Support Directory to link SMEs with expert advice on the ground, and unveiling a new scheme in Greater Manchester working in partnership with regional authorities to support local exporters
A new procurement framework starting February 2025 that could simplify tech companies access to public sector contracts
As this platform develops, there may be opportunities to shape how digital services are delivered to the wider SME community, particularly in areas like export support and skills development. techUK will keep members up to date on developments regarding this.
