BOOM! The government backs our 10 recommendations to help small firms adopt technology

Too many small businesses still struggle to find the time, skills or confidence to make the most of digital tools, let alone adopt AI in a meaningful way.

That's why earlier this year, Enterprise Nation was proud to contribute to the government's SME Digital Adoption Taskforce, which has now published its final report.

Drawing on insights from our Tech Hub programme and the thousands of founders using our platform, we provided practical input on how to simplify digital support and build founders' confidence.

We're pleased that the government has backed all 10 of the Taskforce's recommendations, with some already underway and others now entering pilot phase.

Here's a quick look at what the Taskforce recommended, and how government has responded:

1. Launch a national digital adoption initiative led by Number 10: Government agrees and will convene key partners with Number 10 to drive development and delivery, building on other initiatives like the AI Upskilling Partnership.

2. Appoint a dedicated minister for SME digital and AI adoption: Baroness Jones, of Whitchurch, Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for both the Department for Business and Trade (DBT)and the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT), has been appointed to lead on this work.

3. Develop a scalable online chief technology officer (CTO)-as-a-service platform: Government agrees and DBT will explore the feasibility of an AI-powered digital guidance tool.

4. Gather cross-departmental evidence on financial support for digital adoption: Government agrees and will build on the evidence base developed by the Taskforce and the National Technology Adoption Review.

5. Make sure the Business Growth Service (BGS) helps SMEs adopt digital tools: Government is working to embed digital support into BGS, including through business.gov.uk and practical webinars.

6. Run a targeted awareness campaign to increase adoption: Messaging will be piloted and shaped with industry partners to raise awareness and encourage action.

7. Commission new behavioural insights and Digital Economy and Society Index (DESI)-style data tracking: Government agrees and will explore new research and monitoring aligned with international benchmarks, with an update due in Spring 2026.

8. Enable digital adoption through wider policy reform, including e-invoicing and Smart Data schemes; a Making Tax Digital roll-out from 2026; trusted digital identity systems; simplified SME regulation via the Regulation Action Plan and an ongoing broadband rollout.

   All elements are accepted and underway.

9. Work with trusted local and industry partners to deliver support: Government agrees and will continue to work with groups like the West of England Combined Authority and Leeds City Council.

10. Embed a "test and learn" approach into programme delivery: Pilots and new research are already underway to evaluate what works and inform future delivery.

Our view

Daniel Woolf, Enterprise Nation's head of policy and government relations, says:

"We were proud to contribute to the SME Digital Adoption Taskforce and are pleased to see government back all 10 of its recommendations.

"If delivered well, this could give small business owners back weeks of productive time and help the UK lead the G7 on digital and AI adoption.

"We look forward to working with government to turn these recommendations into real-world support through the Small Business Plan and beyond."

What's next?

Alongside these core recommendations, the government is also expanding sector-specific support:

• The Made Smarter tech adoption programme will roll out nationally for manufacturing SMEs and create a dedicated scheme for Professional and Business Services.

• LawtechUK has been awarded £1.5 million to accelerate tech adoption in legal services.

• A new Upskilling and Reskilling Programme will offer short courses tailored to SME needs.

• A Recruitment and Workforce Transition Programme will support SMEs struggling with vacancies.

Enterprise Nation looks forward to continuing our work with government and industry to help deliver on these commitments through our Tech Hub.

People also read

• The new government plan for small business: What it means for small firms across the UK

• Six straightforward things small businesses want to see in the government’s Small Business Strategy

• Ideas shared by Enterprise Nation members for the government's new small business strategy

Make your small business more productive with the free Tech Hub tool

Get tailored recommendations, join virtual workshops, connect with expert advisers and find practical resources. Take me to Tech Hub now