UK small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) have a £77.3 billion opportunity within reach—if they embrace digital transformation. As customer expectations shift and competition intensifies, adopting new technologies is no longer optional but essential for survival and growth.
Roy Shelton, CEO of Connectus Group, said: “Customers expect seamless digital experiences, from instantly accessible websites to round-the-clock support.” Rising costs—from energy to staffing—make automation and efficiency gains more critical than ever. Regulatory compliance, particularly around GDPR and cybersecurity, is also becoming a core business need.
Government data shows that digitally enabled SMEs grow revenue 4.4 percent faster and reduce costs by 4.3 percent. Those with strong online presence export and create jobs at twice the rate of their less connected peers. Yet UK adoption lags behind Europe—only 22 percent of UK SMEs engage in e-commerce, compared with 40 percent in France and over 55 percent in Germany.
AI and automation are reshaping the SME landscape. AI use rose from 25 to 35 percent in 2024, with productivity gains reaching 133 percent. SMEs are applying AI to tasks like scheduling, customer service and forecasting—but challenges remain. Cost, skills gaps, and data security concerns are major barriers.
Cybersecurity is another pressing issue. Some 42 percent of SMEs suffered cyber-attacks last year, with recovery costs averaging nearly £8,000. Shelton recommends proactive steps like Cyber Essentials certification and regular security testing to safeguard business operations and build trust.
Connectivity forms the foundation for all digital progress. Reliable fibre broadband, secure Wi-Fi and cloud platforms enable SMEs to scale efficiently. UK SMEs are expected to spend over £60 billion on technology in 2025, focusing on automation, data analytics and digital marketing. CRM systems alone have been shown to lift sales by almost 30 percent.
Despite the opportunity, many SMEs are held back by limited time, skills and digital knowledge. The government’s 2025 report calls for more tailored, expert support to overcome these barriers. Initiatives like Made Smarter promote strategic planning and digital upskilling, with case studies highlighting real-world gains.
SMEs are also urged to rethink IT as a growth engine—not just a cost centre. Aligning technology spend with business goals is key to scaling sustainably. Providers like Connectus Group offer managed services built for SMEs, from secure connectivity and AI workshops to round-the-clock support and Cyber Essentials compliance.
While challenges remain, the momentum is clear. With targeted backing from government, industry and providers, UK SMEs are well placed to lead in digital innovation—driving growth, boosting productivity and cementing the UK’s reputation as a hub for responsible, tech-enabled enterprise.
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Noah Fact Check Pro
The draft above was created using the information available at the time the story first
emerged. We’ve since applied our fact-checking process to the final narrative, based on the criteria listed
below. The results are intended to help you assess the credibility of the piece and highlight any areas that may
warrant further investigation.
Freshness check
Score:
8
Notes:
The narrative was first published on 26th September 2025 on Connectus's official website. ([connectus.org.uk](https://connectus.org.uk/adapt-adopt-or-die-leading-expert-on-why-technology-isnt-optional-for-uk-smes/?utm_source=openai)) A similar article appeared on 29th September 2025 on SME Business News, suggesting potential republishing. The SME Business News article includes updated data but recycles older material, which may justify a higher freshness score but should still be flagged. No earlier versions with different figures, dates, or quotes were found. The SME Business News article is republished across low-quality sites or clickbait networks, which raises concerns about its credibility. The narrative is based on a press release from Connectus, which typically warrants a high freshness score. However, the republishing across low-quality sites or clickbait networks raises concerns about its credibility.
Quotes check
Score:
9
Notes:
The direct quote from Roy Shelton, CEO of Connectus, appears in the original Connectus article published on 26th September 2025. ([connectus.org.uk](https://connectus.org.uk/adapt-adopt-or-die-leading-expert-on-why-technology-isnt-optional-for-uk-smes/?utm_source=openai)) No identical quotes were found in earlier material, indicating potential originality. The wording of the quote matches the original source, with no variations found.
Source reliability
Score:
7
Notes:
The narrative originates from Connectus, a reputable organisation. However, the republishing across low-quality sites or clickbait networks raises concerns about its credibility. The Connectus website is a legitimate source, but the SME Business News article is republished across low-quality sites or clickbait networks, which raises concerns about its credibility.
Plausability check
Score:
8
Notes:
The claims about the importance of technology adoption for UK SMEs are plausible and align with current industry trends. The statistics provided, such as the potential £77.3 billion in additional revenue and the 4.4% revenue growth for digitally capable SMEs, are consistent with known data. The tone and language used are consistent with typical corporate communications. The structure of the narrative is focused and relevant to the topic, with no excessive or off-topic detail.
Overall assessment
Verdict (FAIL, OPEN, PASS): OPEN
Confidence (LOW, MEDIUM, HIGH): MEDIUM
Summary:
The narrative presents plausible and timely information about the importance of technology adoption for UK SMEs. While the original source is reputable, the republishing across low-quality sites or clickbait networks raises concerns about its credibility. The direct quote from Roy Shelton appears original, and the statistics provided are consistent with known data. However, the republishing across low-quality sites or clickbait networks raises concerns about its credibility.
