Watch now: Cloud adoption and modernisation for SMEs
On 5 March 2024, techUK hosted a webinar bringing together industry leaders to explore the challenges and opportunities of cloud computing for SMEs.
The UK has a long tail of SMEs that often struggle to access the full benefits of digital transformation and this event considered how smaller organisations can best navigate the challenges of cloud modernisation.
The panel included:
- Kara Radcliffe, Director – Cloud Technologies, PwC
- Marcus Bearden, Senior Director EMEA Cloud Advisory, Slalom
- Graham Adamson, Head of Architecture and Data, Exception
- Helen Gerling, CEO, Shaping Cloud
- Chris Hazell, Programme Manager for Cloud, techUK (Chair)
You can watch the full webinar here, or read our summary of the key insights below:
Please note that the below is a summary of the event, and readers are encouraged to watch the webinar to understand the full details of the discussion.
The session started with a broad discussion of the key factors that SME leaders should consider when investing in cloud solutions and how SMEs can ensure they adopt a business strategy that matches the right capabilities to clear business outcomes.
Helen opened by suggesting that SMEs should begin with productivity and selecting the applications and strategy that will best enable automation and smart use of data. The panel went on to discuss application modernisation and taking a modular and cloud-native approach to “future proof” the digital transformation strategy with robust APIs and an ecosystem that can scale and add capabilities over time. SMEs should also consider what type of organisation they are, what the business needs are, and factors like security and resilience and regulatory and compliance.
Kara and Graham led a discussion centred on how SMEs can best navigate the transition from CapEx to OpEx. The flexibility and scalability of an as-a-service model was highlighted as a key opportunity for SMEs to facilitate growth and integrate new capabilities. However, leaders should consider how much change their organisation can absorb and take an iterative approach that builds-in automation, optimisation and FinOps best practice as new capabilities are added.
The panel went on to explore key issues including skills, managed services, data strategies, cost control and FinOps. Marcus argued that SMEs should prioritise where they can add value quickly and not be distracted by hype around new technologies or trying to do everything all at once.
The event concluded with an overview of the opportunities for SMEs to be more agile, efficient and productive. Panellists also highlighted key lessons that can be learned from larger organisations to set SMEs up for success as they scale.
Cloud Week 2024
We are inviting members to share case studies, expertise and best practice through blogs, vlogs, and social media, and participate in several events during the week
Chris Hazell
Sue Daley
Sue Daley
Sue leads techUK's Technology and Innovation work.
This includes work programmes on cloud, data protection, data analytics, AI, digital ethics, Digital Identity and Internet of Things as well as emerging and transformative technologies and innovation policy. She has been recognised as one of the most influential people in UK tech by Computer Weekly's UKtech50 Longlist and in 2021 was inducted into the Computer Weekly Most Influential Women in UK Tech Hall of Fame. A key influencer in driving forward the data agenda in the UK Sue is co-chair of the UK government's National Data Strategy Forum. As well as being recognised in the UK's Big Data 100 and the Global Top 100 Data Visionaries for 2020 Sue has also been shortlisted for the Milton Keynes Women Leaders Awards and was a judge for the Loebner Prize in AI. In addition to being a regular industry speaker on issues including AI ethics, data protection and cyber security, Sue was recently a judge for the UK Tech 50 and is a regular judge of the annual UK Cloud Awards.
Prior to joining techUK in January 2015 Sue was responsible for Symantec's Government Relations in the UK and Ireland. She has spoken at events including the UK-China Internet Forum in Beijing, UN IGF and European RSA on issues ranging from data usage and privacy, cloud computing and online child safety. Before joining Symantec, Sue was senior policy advisor at the Confederation of British Industry (CBI). Sue has an BA degree on History and American Studies from Leeds University and a Masters Degree on International Relations and Diplomacy from the University of Birmingham. Sue is a keen sportswoman and in 2016 achieved a lifelong ambition to swim the English Channel.
- Email:
- [email protected]
- Phone:
- 020 7331 2055
- Twitter:
- @ChannelSwimSue,@ChannelSwimSue
Laura Foster
Laura Foster
Laura is techUK’s Head of Programme for Technology and Innovation.
She supports the application and expansion of emerging technologies, including Quantum Computing, High-Performance Computing, AR/VR/XR and Edge technologies, across the UK. As part of this, she works alongside techUK members and UK Government to champion long-term and sustainable innovation policy that will ensure the UK is a pioneer in science and technology
Before joining techUK, Laura worked internationally as a conference researcher and producer covering enterprise adoption of emerging technologies. This included being part of the strategic team at London Tech Week.
Laura has a degree in History (BA Hons) from Durham University, focussing on regional social history. Outside of work she loves reading, travelling and supporting rugby team St. Helens, where she is from.
- Email:
- [email protected]
- LinkedIn:
- www.linkedin.com/in/lauraalicefoster