FASTER internet is top of the wish-list for Huddersfield businesses, says a survey.
More than a quarter of firms polled in the study by TalkTalk Business cited faster internet as the single technological investment which would have the biggest positive impact on company performance.
The survey put internet connectivity well ahead of other technology such as flexible or mobile working or access to cloud computing.
Nationally, 42% of firms believe their business would be most disrupted without access to the internet and data services, according to the survey of more than 500 company owners and senior directors.
The survey has inspired TalkTalk Business to commission an in-depth study with the Corporate IT Forum to analyse the impact technology has on helping firms meet key business objectives. The study is due to be published in the autumn.
The survey also showed that 45% of Huddersfield firms rely heavily on their IT departments.
But almost half of Huddersfield firms polled don’t think they need to invest in their IT and technology systems before 2015 in order to ensure their business continues to perform in the future.
And strangely more than two-thirds of Huddersfield businesses agree that rivals who do choose to invest in technology have a strong advantage over those who prioritise other areas of the business, such as marketing and staffing.
Charles Bligh at TalkTalk Business said: “This research points to the critical role IT and telecoms technology plays in maintaining business performance, which may come as a surprise to some companies and is certainly underestimated by others.
“The study identifies that being more progressive with a company’s IT and telecoms strategy can elevate a company over their competitors, which in a rocky economic climate can pay dividends.”
