A fifth of Bath firms suffer from their business going offline, on average, once a month through broadband failures and a lack of back-up services.
The combined cost to these small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) is a staggering £1.8m a day, according to research carried out by Bath-based internet service provider Gradwell.
Some 2,400 SMEs were questioned by Trends Research, 300 of which were based in Bath. An overwhelming majority (72%) of Bath respondents did not have a plan for coping with broadband failure, even though 26% of respondents claimed that their broadband fails on average once a month.
Gradwell managing director Dr Peter Gradwell said: “We were really surprised by the survey results. Most respondents claimed that staff use broadband for more than three hours each day, for business critical tasks, yet few had a back-up plan! The Autumn Statement provided SMEs with welcome news that broadband is to be made available to more areas of the country, but as more businesses begin to use broadband they must take responsibility for ensuring that their connection is secure and reliable.”
Gradwell has launched an initiative offering Bath-based SMEs a free IT ‘health check’. Any business can check in to Gradwell’s telecoms clinic for a free diagnosis of their IT setup over the phone with experts conducting an in-depth examination of all aspects of the company’s communications systems. The team will be particularly searching for signs of computer viruses, fractured landline phone connections or symptoms of faint broadband speeds. The offer runs until the end February 2012.
“Although it sounds too good to be true, we really are offering businesses a ‘no-strings-attached’ MOT of their IT system”, added Mr Gradwell. “This free IT health check is a great way to help businesses to understand the shortcomings in their systems and take action now to prevent expensive future problems. The simplicity and cost-effectiveness of the solutions available might surprise a few people.”
To apply for a free IT health check contact Gradwell on 01225 587000.
