Digital divide widens as 74% of regional SMEs miss out on vital support
Briefly

Research reveals a stark digital divide between London SMEs and those in the regions. Around 74% of regional SMEs lack digital support compared to 67% in London. Access to high-speed internet greatly benefits London SMEs, but only 37% of regional SMEs see similar advantages. Confidence disparities show 78% of London SMEs feel established or growing versus 62% of regional businesses. Awareness and usage of digital support schemes are significantly lower outside London, posing challenges to growth and funding access for regional firms.
Nearly three-quarters (74%) of SMEs outside the capital report having no access to digital support programmes such as mentoring or accelerators - compared to 67% of London-based SMEs.
In London, the majority of SMEs cite their geographic location and access to investors as central to digital investment success - with 82% saying being in a major city helps attract funding.
Just 15% of regional SMEs rate their access to funding as 'very adequate', compared to 31% of London firms. Similarly, 60% of London SMEs report strong access to business partnerships.
While two-thirds of London SMEs say access to high-speed internet and remote working hubs has significantly boosted their growth, only 37% of regional SMEs report the same benefits.
Read at Business Matters
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