Improved business technology greatly increases productivity. A recent report published by O2 Business and the Centre for Economic and Business Research (Cebr) discovered that productivity increased by 84 per cent over the past four decades thanks to advancements in digital technology. The report also forecast that productivity associated with ICT is set to grow a further 22 per cent between 2012 and 2020.

Yet many businesses are often reluctant to upgrade to the latest digital technology. This can be due to familiarity with old systems, a belief that the cost of upgrading could be high or even a perceived lack of time to implement the systems. In fact, it’s much easier than you think to set up and the benefits are clear.

Business owners should consider: Does your company have access to modern business technology? Do your employees have the right digital tools to work productively, wherever they are? Can your staff work in a way which suits them?

Business technology really has come on leaps and bounds over the past decade, and thanks to enhanced connectivity working on the move and out of the office is now easier than ever. Mobile and social are increasingly playing a huge part in the business world and they’ve really opened up opportunities to work almost anywhere – but you have to have the systems in place to enable your staff to take full advantage of this.

If you want to make a change, there’s no better time than now.

Paul Lawton is head of Small Business for O2.

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