Industry-led SME Digital Adoption Taskforce release final report with UK Government response
Last Thursday, 31 July, the UK government released their Small Business Plan alongside the industry-led SME Digital Adoption report. This report sets out an ambition for growth and prosperity for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) through the adoption of digital technology and a 10-step action plan for government.
techUK are delighted to be a part of the SME Digital Adoption Taskforce and to see the publication the final report. View the final report here.
techUK SME Digital Adoption campaign
On behalf of our members, we have long called for better government support for SMEs digital adoption. In September 2023, techUK released our ‘Small Enterprises, Big Impact’ report, working with techUK members including Sage, Xero and Intuit, along with our SMEs to bring this together. This report provided a 12-month roadmap for the Government to incentivise SME digital adoption. Key areas of focus included:
Co-ordinating a cross-departmental and industry led Forum and appoint a Minister responsible for digitisation across the economy.
Delivering a comprehensive digital adoption plan with clearly defined targets by 2030, focusing on the right underpinning infrastructure, regulation and skills needed to succeed.
Expanding the Made Smarter Adoption programme to all sectors of the economy.
During this campaign, we were pleased to bring together key stakeholders including Chair of the SME digital adoption taskforce Phil Smith CBE and many of the SME Digital Adoption Taskforce members (catch-up on the Small Enterprises, Big Impact report release here). Following this, techUK were pleased to have been asked to join the Department for Business and Trade’s SME Digital Adoption Taskforce.
techUK and the SME Digital Adoption Taskforce
Over the past year, techUK have worked with others on the Taskforce and our SME members to understand exactly what the UK Government, and industry should do - looking across the financial incentives, skills needs and regulatory levers needed to drive adoption. We fed into the government’s Tech Adoption Review and supported the development of the Taskforce’s interim (accessible here) and final report.
In this final report, the Taskforce want to see UK SMEs become the most digitally capable and AI confident in the G7 by 2035 and have set out ten recommendations to help achieve this and maximise the productive potential of SMEs.
Ultimately, this is an economic opportunity. There are 5.5 million small businesses who account for 99.8% of the business population and employ two thirds of working people. Yet the UK ranks 25th worldwide for future digital readiness and 18th for overall performance in digital readiness in the IMD 2024 index. Alongside this, UK SMEs invest less in new technology and management that their G7 peers. But small business owners in the UK could get as much as three and a half weeks of productive working time back if they fully embraced even basic technology.
techUK have been impressed by the collaboration in the SME Digital Adoption Taskforce. Together, we have created a reportthat sets out clear steps for government and industry to boost technology adoption rates in the UK and give SMEs the support they need. This includes appointing a Minister responsible for digital adoption, developing a scalable online CTO as a service, providing AI-powered guidance and support to SMEs, and launching a cross departmental evidence gathering exercise on firm-level financial support for SME digital and AI adoption.
On behalf of our members, we look forward to seeing how we can put this into action as part of the Small Business Plan.
Annex. The UK government has responded to the following recommendations made by the Taskforce. See below or access the policy annex here:
Recommendation 1:No.10 Downing Street should lead an effort to co-create a new public-private initiative to drive up SME digital and AI adoption.
Government response: We agree that Government should partner with industry on SME digital adoption. We will convene key industry partners with No10 to drive development and delivery of targeted interventions that support SMEs across the UK’s nations and regions. This will build on Taskforce recommendations such as (3), (6) and (9), also coordinated with other initiatives such as the new governmentindustry AI Upskilling partnership harnessing opportunities for SMEs in AI adoption.
Recommendation 2: Appoint a Minister accountable for SME digital and AI adoption.
Government response:We agree that a single point of accountability would help drive digital adoption policy across government – a recommendation also noted by the National Technology Adoption Review. Minister Baroness Jones, Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for both DBT and DSIT, will be the Minister responsible for adoption of digital technology (including AI). She will provide focus and leadership, driving and coordinating digital adoption efforts across government.
Recommendation 3: Develop a scalable online CTO as a service, providing AI-powered guidance and support to SMEs.
Government response: We agree that AI-powered support can offer tailored digital adoption guidance to SME leaders in a way that is scalable and accessible, any time and any place. DBT will begin work to define requirements for an AI-powered support tool and explore feasibility.
Recommendation 4: Launch cross departmental evidence gathering exercise on firm-level financial support for SME digital and AI adoption.
Government response: Cost is one of the barriers facing SMEs when adopting new digital technologies. We agree that we should build on the evidence gathered by the Taskforce and the National Technology Adoption Review on different firm-level interventions, to further inform and develop the offer to SMEs.
Recommendation 5: Ensure the Government’s Business Growth Service is explicit in its design to enable technology adoption.
Government response: Our goal is for the Business Growth Service to help businesses access all kinds of support, including on digital adoption. As part of this, DBT have launched business.gov.uk, and a series of webinars on topics such as e-commerce and social media. The Business Growth Service will grow iteratively through industry feedback, and we will work to include more advice and support on digital adoption in line with this recommendation.
Recommendation 6: Launch a targeted awareness programme for digital and AI adoption.
Government response: We understand the need to build awareness of the benefits of digital tools for businesses. We will pilot messaging to encourage SME uptake of digital adoption support, and work with industry partners to improve awareness of current offers. As we develop the digital adoption support offer, we will build this into our communications so that it resonates with SMEs and encourages them to take action.
Recommendation 7: Commission new behavioural insights and gather data equivalent to the European Digital Economy and Society Index (DESI) to improve policy design and track progress.
Government response: We agree with the need for data and evidence to drive effective decisionmaking in support of digital adoption, and monitor progress against our ambitions. We will explore possibilities to commission new research and monitoring on digital adoption in the UK in line with international standards, and will provide an update in Spring 2026.
Recommendation 8: Implement economy-wide reforms including e-invoicing standards, Digital ID, business tax digitisation, simplified regulatory frameworks for SMEs, internet infrastructure.
Government response: We agree that we need to act across the economy to provide the right environment for SMEs to adopt digital technology. For example:
HMRC and DBT conducted a 12-week consultation on e-invoicing and will publish a summary of responses and update on next steps.
Making Tax Digital for Income Tax will be introduced for around 2.7m sole traders and landlords through a phased rollout beginning in April 2026.
DSIT is continuing work on enabling the use of secure and trusted digital identity services across the UK.
DBT will simplify the regulatory framework through the Regulation Action Plan.
Antony Walker
Deputy CEO, techUK
Antony Walker
Deputy CEO, techUK
Antony Walker is deputy CEO of techUK, which he played a lead role in launching in November 2013.
Antony is a member of the senior leadership team and has overall responsibility for techUK’s policy work. Prior to his appointment in July 2012 Antony was chief executive of the Broadband Stakeholder Group (BSG), the UK’s independent advisory group on broadband policy. Antony was closely involved in the development of broadband policy development in the UK since the BSG was established in 2001 and authored several major reports to government. He also led the development of the UK’s world leading Open Internet Code of Practice that addresses the issue of net neutrality in the UK. Prior to setting up the BSG, Antony spent six years working in Brussels for the American Chamber of Commerce following and writing about telecoms issues and as a consultant working on EU social affairs and environmental issues. Antony is a graduate of Aberdeen University and KU Leuven and is also a Policy Fellow Alumni of the Centre for Science and Policy at Cambridge University.
Edward leads the Digital Economy programme at techUK, which includes our work on online safety, fraud, and regulation for growth initiatives.
He has prior experience working for the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport and has previously worked for a number of public affairs consultancies specialising in research and strategy, working with leading clients in the technology and financial services sectors.
Mia focuses on shaping a policy environment that fosters the expansion of the UK tech sector while maximising the transformative potential of technology across all industries.
Prior to joining techUK, Mia worked as a Senior Policy Adviser at the Confederation of British Industry (CBI) within the Policy Unit.
Mia holds an MSc in International Development from the University of Manchester and a BA(Hons) in Politics and International Relations from the University of Nottingham.
Archie Breare joined techUK in September 2022 as the Telecoms Programme intern, and moved into the Policy and Public Affairs team in February 2023.
Before starting at techUK, Archie was a student at the University of Cambridge, completing an undergraduate degree in History and a master's degree in Modern British History.
In his spare time, he likes to read, discuss current affairs, and to try and persuade himself to cycle more.
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Antony Walker is deputy CEO of techUK, which he played a lead role in launching in November 2013.
Antony is a member of the senior leadership team and has overall responsibility for techUK’s policy work. Prior to his appointment in July 2012 Antony was chief executive of the Broadband Stakeholder Group (BSG), the UK’s independent advisory group on broadband policy. Antony was closely involved in the development of broadband policy development in the UK since the BSG was established in 2001 and authored several major reports to government. He also led the development of the UK’s world leading Open Internet Code of Practice that addresses the issue of net neutrality in the UK. Prior to setting up the BSG, Antony spent six years working in Brussels for the American Chamber of Commerce following and writing about telecoms issues and as a consultant working on EU social affairs and environmental issues. Antony is a graduate of Aberdeen University and KU Leuven and is also a Policy Fellow Alumni of the Centre for Science and Policy at Cambridge University.
As Head of Public Affairs, Alice supports techUK’s strategic engagement with Westminster, Whitehall and beyond. She regularly works to engage with ministers, members of the UK’s parliaments and senior civil servants on techUK’s work advocating for the role of technology in the UK’s economy as well as wider society.
Alice joined techUK in 2022. She has experience working at both a political monitoring company, leading on the tech, media and telecoms portfolio there, and also as an account manager in a Westminster-based public affairs agency. She has a degree from the University of Sheffield in Politics and Philosophy.
Edward leads the Digital Economy programme at techUK, which includes our work on online safety, fraud, and regulation for growth initiatives.
He has prior experience working for the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport and has previously worked for a number of public affairs consultancies specialising in research and strategy, working with leading clients in the technology and financial services sectors.
Nimmi Patel is the Head of Skills, Talent and Diversity at techUK. She works on all things skills, education, and future of work policy, focusing on upskilling and retraining. Nimmi is also an Advisory Board member of Digital Futures at Work Research Centre (digit). The Centre research aims to increase understanding of how digital technologies are changing work and the implications for employers, workers, job seekers and governments.
Prior to joining the techUK team, she worked for the UK Labour Party and New Zealand Labour Party, and holds an MA in Strategic Communications at King’s College London and BA in Politics, Philosophy and Economics from the University of Manchester. She also took part in the 2024-25 University of Bath Institute for Policy Research Policy Fellowship Programme and is the Education and Skills Policy Co-lead for Labour in Communications.
Samiah Anderson is the Head of Digital Regulation at techUK.
With over six years of Government Affairs expertise, Samiah has built a solid reputation as a tech policy specialist, engaging regularly with UK Government Ministers, senior civil servants and UK Parliamentarians.
Before joining techUK, Samiah led several public affairs functions for international tech firms and coalitions at Burson Global (formerly Hill & Knowlton), delivering CEO-level strategic counsel on political, legislative, and regulatory issues in the UK, EU, US, China, India, and Japan. She is adept at mobilising multinational companies and industry associations, focusing on cross-cutting digital regulatory issues such as competition, artificial intelligence, and more.
She holds a BA (Hons) in Politics, Philosophy, and Economics from the University of London, where she founded the New School Economics Society, the Goldsmiths University chapter of Rethinking Economics.
Audre joined techUK in July 2023 as a Policy Manager for Data. Previously, she was a Policy Advisor in the Civil Service, where she worked on the Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Bill at the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology, and at HM Treasury on designing COVID-19 support schemes and delivering the Financial Services and Markets Bill. Before that, Audre worked at a public relations consultancy, advising public and private sector clients on their communications, public relations, and government affairs strategy.
Prior to this, Audre completed an MSc in Public Policy at the Korea Development Institute and a Bachelor's in International Relations and History from SOAS, University of London. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time outdoors, learning about new cultures through travel and food, and going on adventures.
Mia focuses on shaping a policy environment that fosters the expansion of the UK tech sector while maximising the transformative potential of technology across all industries.
Prior to joining techUK, Mia worked as a Senior Policy Adviser at the Confederation of British Industry (CBI) within the Policy Unit.
Mia holds an MSc in International Development from the University of Manchester and a BA(Hons) in Politics and International Relations from the University of Nottingham.
Archie Breare joined techUK in September 2022 as the Telecoms Programme intern, and moved into the Policy and Public Affairs team in February 2023.
Before starting at techUK, Archie was a student at the University of Cambridge, completing an undergraduate degree in History and a master's degree in Modern British History.
In his spare time, he likes to read, discuss current affairs, and to try and persuade himself to cycle more.
Dani joined techUK in February 2025 as a Policy Manager in the Digital Regulation team.
Prior to this, Dani worked in political monitoring where she was a consultant for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport. In this role, she developed a strong understanding of parliamentary procedure, closely following all of the major developments in the tech centre and working with several key stakeholders and regulators.
She has an undergraduate degree in History from the University of Bristol and an MPhil in Modern European History from the University of Cambridge.
Outside of tech, Dani has a strong interest in addiction policy, particularly towards drugs, having written her dissertation on the topic as well as several subsequent research projects. In her spare time, she enjoys cooking and following all things motoring, whether that be F1, MotoGP or Formula E.
Oliver is a Junior Policy Manager at techUK, working across Public Affairs and Digital Regulation policy. He supports the organisation’s engagement with government and parliament, contributes to shaping techUK’s regulatory agenda, and plays a key role in coordinating political outreach, policy projects, and flagship events.
He joined techUK in November 2023 as a Team Assistant to the Policy and Public Affairs team, before stepping into his current role. He has been closely involved in efforts to ensure the tech sector’s voice is heard in the policymaking process.
Oliver holds a Master’s in Policy Research from the University of Bristol and a BSc in Policy from Swansea University. During his studies, he contributed to mental health research as a Student Research Assistant for the SMaRteN network.
Outside of work, Oliver is a keen debater and remains active in the UK debating community, having previously led the Swansea University Debating Union. He enjoys exploring complex issues from multiple perspectives and values clear, thoughtful communication in policy discussions.
Tess joined techUK as an Policy and Public Affairs Team Assistant in November of 2024. In this role, she supports areas such as administration, member communications and media content.
Before joining the Team, she gained experience working as an Intern in both campaign support for MPs and Councilors during the 2024 Local and General Election, and working for the Casimir Pulaski Foundation on defence and international secuirty. She has worked for multiple charities, on issues such as the climate crisis, educational inequality and Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG). In 2023, Tess obtained her Bachelors of Arts in Politics and International Relations from the University of Nottingham.
Mia focuses on shaping a policy environment that fosters the expansion of the UK tech sector while maximising the transformative potential of technology across all industries.
Prior to joining techUK, Mia worked as a Senior Policy Adviser at the Confederation of British Industry (CBI) within the Policy Unit.
Mia holds an MSc in International Development from the University of Manchester and a BA(Hons) in Politics and International Relations from the University of Nottingham.
The UK has a world-leading regulatory system that supports the economy while protecting the society. However, strategic reforms to the UK’s regulatory regime could help unlock its full potential as a vital catalyst for growth, bringing considerable rewards across industry.
