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Tuesday 02 February 2016 5:45 am

Northern SMEs call for digital investments, as poll shows doubt over the scheme

By: Billy Bambrough

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Investment in digital infrastructure has been found to be as important to small businesses in the north of England as transport between cities.

A desire for increased digital infrastructure spending tied with inter-city transport for the second most wanted investment, supported by 37 per cent, behind increased local control over public spending with 40 per cent.

However, a worrying 50 per cent of the small-and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) polled by the FSB were unsure about the overall benefits of the so-called Northern powerhouse initiative. A whopping 34 per cent didn’t know if it would benefit them, with 16 per cent still on the fence over whether the scheme will positively impact their business.

Investment in workplace skills also highly sort after by SMEs.

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