Download e-skills UK's "IT explained" handbook for small businesses

e-Skills UK's new “IT explained” handbook for small businesses is now available to download.

The handbook consists of six expert guides providing jargon-free advice on getting started with IT, data security, using online resources, building a website and marketing and selling online.

Anyone starting up or running their own business will know that it can be daunting just knowing where to begin. Potential entrepreneurs are looking for the fastest and most effective ways to grow their business and reach new customers, all the while keeping their costs to a minimum. Getting the right IT solutions in place can get a business off to a flying start or transform an existing one, but with so many options, complex jargon and perceived risks, many businesses view IT as more challenge than opportunity.

But help is now at hand, with a new “IT explained” handbook from e-skills UK’s Business IT Guide. Developed by e-skills UK with over 200 small businesses, the Business IT Guide helps companies explore what technology is right for their business, as well as how to find trusted information, introduce and manage technology, deal with cost and training implications and plan for growth and changing needs.

e-skills UK research has shown that making the most of IT – particularly by smaller firms – could boost the UK economy by an additional £50 billion over the next five to seven years. Exploiting the full potential of technology can propel a business forward, saving time and money, boosting productivity and opening up new markets and opportunities.

Martin Harvey, of e-skills UK, said: "Technology has the power to transform a small business, but companies can find it difficult to know where to start. They worry about making the wrong choices, about the skills needed and the costs involved. This handy guide - which complements our interactive, online Business IT Guide - will help small firms get to grips with the key issues in just a few minutes.”

e-skills UK’s latest research also highlights a number of trends, opportunities and challenges that employers have identified as of key importance, now and for the future. Security and data protection is considered by many businesses to be the major priority, closely followed by innovation and transformation through IT, cloud computing, and the Real World Web. The online Business IT Guide is the perfect tool for understanding these trends, and how best to approach them, offering concise and helpful advice without the confusing technical jargon that too often goes with it.

Download your free copy of the IT explained handbook now. Alternatively, to receive a hard copy version please call 0800 111 4413 or email businessitguide@e-skills.com.

Source: BusinessITGuide