Is there a copy of this report online?
Also, is the “Centre for e-business” that is one of the leads of this report a programme/project/initiative funded by Enterprise Development North East Ltd which is a company wholly owned by ONE North East and is also a successor to the North East Regional Portal that has been operating in this “e-business” space (and as highlighted in the report above is “failing“) for the last 9 years…!?
Report uncovers the North East’s digital failings
A think-tank made up of business leaders from across the North East has given a damning verdict on the state of the region’s digital credentials.
The new group, which is backed by accountants, IT firms, marketing agencies and consultants, has been formed to improve the performance of the region’s businesses online.
North East Online (NEO) is looking to encourage more businesses to trade online and to tackle the barriers that have left the North East lagging behind in the digital stakes.
The findings of its first investigation have raised a number of critical issues which, if not overcome, could cause the North East to fall further behind the rest of the country.
The report blames a reluctance in the region to invest in the technology of tomorrow for the continual presence of a technological North/South divide.
It also claims there is a lack of awareness of what type of technological solutions are available for businesses in the region.
Meanwhile, digital agencies cited in the report say they are not being approached by businesses with requests for exciting or innovative projects, and are tending to suggest to clients what they might need.
Among the businesses backing the NEO project, which now aims to work out a plan of action to encourage more smaller firms to tap into the many opportunities available online, is Newcastle-based digital agency Silverbean.
Managing director Neil Robbins said: “This is proving to be a real insight into the concerns IT and digital suppliers have with the North East region. It was interesting to hear that many of us face the same obstacles when trying to help North East businesses.
“I know many IT and digital suppliers in the region have voiced their concerns to the government support agencies but perhaps we now need a common voice to make ourselves heard.”
The group is being led by North East accountants and business advisory group RMT.
It aims to tackle the lack of trust between technology experts, suppliers and customers which is currently hindering the region.
It also calls for the introduction of more self-regulation to which service businesses should adhere to.
Comments
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James Burke
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Christine Pearce
I agree with the comments of the think tank but feel that apart from reluctance to invest, many businesses either don’t see the potential of the internet or are put off through not understanding the jargon and what they need to make this break through or what to ask for if they do consider going to an IT/web development company. We set up Restoration & Beyond to help independent businesses throughout the UK to get the most from the web. Many are too busy just running their businesses to think about it so by taking this off their hands they can benefit from the web and our marketing expertise to promote the site. We would be happy to be a role model of a North East Business using the internet in an innovative way, if needed.
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James Burke
For info: my comment above related to this article as it appeared yesterday when it then stated that the group was being led by RMT *and* the “Centre for e-business” - now that the article has been amended and the “Centre for e-business” removed my comment does not really make sense!
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James McRoy
Having worked on both sides of the fence, as an e-advisor to Business Link clients, sub-contracted by Business Link and as a provider of ebusiness services, I am staggered by the misperceptions of business and how ICT, particuarly the internet, can help grow their business.
Having set up a ebusiness training service recently I am also appalled by the blase attitude of the RDA towards educating the business community in the role of ebusiness and how easily it can be implemented into day-to-day working practices.
Clients either overestimate the value of having ‘a website’, not realising that it is only a part of their ebusiness process, or do not appreciate the leverage that they can achieve by deploying some simple e-systems into their working methodologies.
Until we get a dynamic e-champion in the North, the plum projects will always head south of the Watford Gap, and pluralistic ignorance will abound in the North.
After all, It’s Grim Up North, isn’t it?
