Mobile access key to SME success

The need to access key information on the move is vital to small firms

Nearly half of UK SME bosses have won business by being able to respond to prospects while on the move, according to a survey by Research In Motion.

Recent research suggests that the majority of SME decision makers are out of the office two or more times a week.

The need to juggle business requirements, communicate with stakeholders and access key information on the move is therefore of vital importance.

Two thirds of respondents said that 'regular communication' and 'reacting quickly to queries' are the two most critical aspects in successful relationships with customers.

However, despite 65 per cent of SMEs stating that keeping in touch with business stakeholders is 'very important' or 'important', nearly a third still use letters as the preferred method of communication.

"It is commonplace for SMEs to spend large amounts of time out of the office, and multitasking is often a key trait of their business," said Charmaine Eggberry, vice president and managing director of Rim in EMEA.

"However, like larger businesses, SMEs still need to be able to service their customers and win business regardless of being in the office or not.

"The research shows that mobile solutions are key to the success of SMEs in the UK and across Europe, so adopting the right tools and procedures from the beginning are key to long-term success."

The proportion of SME bosses who have clinched a deal while out and about is around 62 per cent across Europe, rising to 86 per cent in Spain.