EXPERT VIEW
DAVID PARKIN, FOUNDER & DIRECTOR
THEBUSINESSDESK.COM
As the UK economy
continues to push
ahead towards
recovery, the
vital role of small
businesses has
become even
more evident.
SMEs are a vital part of
the UK economy and a
dynamic, growing SME
sector is recognised as
contributing significantly to
future economic growth.
The the Department
of Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS) states there are
approximately 4.5 million SMEs in the UK - these form 99.9%
of all businesses.
This incredible figure clearly also has a significant impact on
job creation, with BIS saying that the majority of new jobs in
the UK (76%) are created by small businesses - large firms
contribute just 24%.
For many smaller firms the key to achieving significant
growth is determined by success in finding the right access
to finance, support and training services - something that is
easier said than done.
In 2011, BIS looked at the main barriers to the take up and
use of business support. It found that in the previous three
years, only two fifths of SME employers (more than 400,000
firms) used formal business assistance.
But with just 3% of all start-ups reach a turnover of £1m
after three years, where do they go next?
Only a small number find the support that enables them to
grow – and experienced organisations such as Medilink can,
and should, play a vital role.
There are also initiatives such as the 10,000 Small
Businesses programme, backed by global investment bank
Goldman Sachs and run by leading university business
schools, which have become even more significant.
The programme, launched in Leeds in 2010, is designed to
help small businesses to grow by providing greater access
to business education and business support services. The
programme is based on the view that this combination is the
best way to address barriers to growth, creating jobs and
economic opportunities.
In these economic times entrepreneurs should focus not just
on growth but also on sustainability and develop strategies
to ensure longevity. Accessing the right support can certainly
help achieve these objectives – whilst also cementing the
position of SMEs as the key driver for wider economic
growth.
To learn more about how Medilink can grow your business
contact: [email protected]
For regional business news visit: www.thebusinessdesk.com
THE FUTURE OF DIGITAL
HEALTHCARE EXPLORED AT
YORKSHIRE CONFERENCE
Innovators and leaders in digital healthcare technologies from
across Yorkshire and Humber displayed the region’s strengths
in future healthcare delivery at a conference hosted by Yorkshire
and Humber Academic Health Science Network (AHSN).
The conference - ‘The Future is Digital: Digital Healthcare
Delivery Explored’ included talks from leading professionals,
clinicians, academics and a special patient guest, about the
latest advances in areas such as big data and telehealth.
More than 150 delegates attended the conference which was
held at the Royal Armouries Museum in Leeds.
Andrew Riley, Managing Director of Yorkshire & Humber AHSN,
said: “This region’s position as a leader in both digital and
health technologies was undoubtedly confirmed at the Future is
Digital event.
“The speakers all provided a different perspective on the state
of play and potential for digital technologies in healthcare and
the feedback from the delegates was extremely positive.
“The event perfectly encapsulated what the AHSN is trying
to achieve - creating a partnership between patients, health
services, industry and academia for the health and wealth of the
nation – and we’re now looking forward to building on that.”
06
The Occulus Rift virtual reality headset was one of the digital
health technologies on display
The event also included an associated exhibition featuring
companies working with the AHSN who exhibited their
technologies and discussed their own experiences of product
adoption and the NHS.
To find out more about the event, see photos and learn more
about the AHSN, visit: www.medilink.co.uk/news.aspx