HeadsUp! Boosting performance amongst micro firms through take-up of digital technologies

"This project sees a partnership of small business network, Enterprise Nation, and Brunel University, work together to encourage small businesses to adopt existing digital tools and technologies, with a view to realising improvements in cashflow, sales and employee satisfaction.

Over the past 12 months, we've listened to the concerns of small business owners; to the challenges they face and opportunities they see. Founders want to enter new markets, with a motivated team, and get paid on time so cash can be invested back in to the growth of the business.

But entrepreneurs struggle to raise their heads from day to day operations; to work on the business, not in it.

This project will make it easy for owners to identify and access relevant support. It will highlight which areas of the business need attention, match founders with accredited coaches (online and off), offer a suite of productivity tools, and measure results throughout.

Support will be available in four areas of the UK (London, Lancashire, Oxfordshire, Birmingham) and we'll be working with Growth Hubs and local partners to host productivity roadshows, and get feedback on how training is making a difference. The support on offer is free of charge and will be made available to a cohort of 600 companies.

Corporate partners are coming on board with brands including Microsoft, Xero, CharlieHR, Soldo, Basekit and Equipsme, contributing to the programme in the shape of curating a product bundle, delivering training for accreditation, and promoting the programme to customers, who may be looking for support to grow.

If we get this right, the benefit will be felt across the whole economy. The UK is home to a record 5 million+ small businesses and many have the ambition to grow. This project will evaluate how support can best be delivered to boost revenue and improve company processes. The learnings will not only be scaled to help thousands more businesses, but will also be utilised by government to inform policy on how the UK can deliver the most relevant support, at the right level of investment.

It's never been more essential to trial growth support in the UK and evaluate what works. Enterprise Nation and Brunel University are delighted to be involved."