SME Digital Adoption: how to bring your business into the digital age

The UK Government’s Small Business Plan was released in 2025, with ambitious plans to fix the fundamental SME challenges, unlock finance and – crucially – future-proof UK businesses.

The industry-led SME Digital Adoption report is part of the wider Small Business Plan. It sets out an ambition for growth and prosperity for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) through the adoption of digital technology and a 10-step action plan for government.

How does this initiative impact your small business and how can you make the most of digital technology?

Four proactive steps you can take to bring your business into the digital age

1. Embrace the digitisation of basic compliance

With Making Tax Digital gathering pace, it’s important to migrate your financial record-keeping, billing and accounting onto cloud-based software platforms, like Xero, Sage or QuickBooks. Switching to cloud accounting and invoicing automates much of the manual record-keeping and reconciliation work, saving you hours of time. But, critically, it also keeps you compliant with HM Revenue & Customs’ (HMRC) future requirement for digital tax filing and reporting.

2. Get advice on the best tech tools for the job

If you don’t have a Chief Technology Officer (CTO), your tech strategy can often lack direction. Seek out AI-powered digital assessment tools, business support chatbots and the online diagnostic services that are offered by industry groups (like techUK) or government portals. These tools and government sources can offer you customised recommendations on which software to implement next, and how to integrate new apps and tools into your app stack. 

3. Engage with government advice and support

Check the new business.gov.uk website for government and industry-backed business support, advice and details on currently available initiatives, funding and tax incentives, etc.

You’ll find sector-specific guidance, free resources and training materials on eCommerce, social media and cybersecurity.

4. Provide foundational digital skills for your people

To grasp the tech opportunity with both hands, your people need the right digital skills and – and that means offering training, up-skilling and relevant courses.

Put the budget and time aside to offer continuous professional development (CPD) that’s focused on digital literacy. This could involve enrolling key staff (or yourself) in short, certified courses on cloud fundamentals, data management or the basics of cybersecurity.

The businesses that will prosper over the coming years are those that fully embrace the digital opportunity – and get proactive about increasing their digital integration and capabilities.

Book some time with our team to review your digital strategy. We can help you refine your digital goals and identify new tools to achieve your plan.