UK businesses prioritise IT to weather recession, says BT

Two-thirds of businesses look for investment in faster computer networks, flexible working and managed ICT services

In a survey of 300 board-level executives, commissioned by BT Global Services, showed that nearly three-quarters (74%) of senior executives at UK companies and government organisations believe that better use of technologies has had a role in fighting the recession over the past year.

According to the research report released by BT Global Services, 42% of senior executives in UK companies see investment in new technologies as one of their priorities to achieve business growth and cut costs over the next year.

Over the next 18 months, two-thirds (68%) of businesses look for investment in faster computer networks, flexible working and managed ICT services as priorities to become efficient, according to research.

The research showed that more than a third of companies (37%) plan to spend money on faster and more reliable network technology, in particular in the financial services industry and 83% of the managers polled are preparing to do more with less to make sure their business stays competitive on the global stage, believing their technology investments during downturn would put them in strong position.

In terms of spending, more than half of managers in the financial services (60%) and transport sectors (52%) said their companies needed to invest in technology in order to grow. Marketing spend is a high priority across the board, particularly in the financial services sector, where 76% of executives said it would help their businesses to grow.

Mark Quartermaine, president of BT Global Services, said: “What is encouraging is that this survey shows that many businesses in the UK feel they’re on the start of the road to recovery. The way they do business has already changed significantly, but the signs are there that continued investment in new technology and processes will help them do more with less and remain competitive on the global stage.”

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