Some UK SMEs are unprepared for the impact of the Olympic and Paralympic Games later this year, says a new survey. Image courtesy of: dlritter/sxc.hu
Nearly half of SMEs answering a recent survey have yet to make the necessary preparations ahead of London 2012.
Network giant
Cisco questioned SME decision makers across the UK on key areas that will be affected by the Olympic and
Paralympic Games later this year.
Close to a quarter (22 percent) expect that London will directly or indirectly cause them to have fewer staff available, while a further 14 percent feel they have to think more about staff motivation in the run up to the summer.
Although 59 percent have some or all of the collaboration technology in place to offer flexible working to employees, 41 percent have no strategy to deal with potential disruptions caused by the Olympics.
Despite admitting the Games will require operational changes to be made, over a third (35 percent) of the SMEs surveyed expect the Games will have an overall positive effect on smaller firms across the UK.
As a side effect, some SMEs believe the Games will increase the numbers of tourists and customers in the country, and lead to infrastructural improvements in the long run.
Neil Crockett, MD Cisco
London 2012, said: "With so many SMEs still unprepared ahead of the Games, now is the time for businesses to take action. London 2012 can offer many opportunities for UK SMEs, but only if they have the correct business strategy in place. Organisations need to prepare in a wide manner of ways to ensure they are business ready – from evaluating their network infrastructure to preparing for flexible working through effective collaboration technology.
"The London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games can and will offer a lasting legacy to those businesses who understand the necessary preparations. With a viable business strategy, alternative travel plans and flexible working in place, London 2012 can help build a brilliant future for businesses next summer and in the long term."