This October and November, O2 Business will be running O2 Business Show Live in London, Manchester and Edinburgh. The show will examine the evolution of work practices from the 1950's through to the present day, particularly developments in technology. It will also feature a number of speakers from the world of business.
One of these is Emma Jones, founder of small business community Enterprise Nation, a business club aimed at helping entrepreneurs "turn their good ideas into great businesses". Jones says that smarter work practices are playing an important role in business growth right now, much of which is being facilitated by technology, but that this isn't always immediately apparent however.
"Traditionally, our perception of a growing business is one that's hiring lots of people, whereas in fact now 70% of businesses that start in the UK do so from home. At the same time, the main way that we're seeing businesses grow is by outsourcing and subcontracting work, as opposed to hiring people full time. Technology is a key enabler to all of this, through software like Basecamp or Skype."
Jones says that getting the government to recognise these nuances can be a "challenge", and is a key part of her work with Enterprise Nation. "One of the things we do at Enterprise Nation is represent the views of our small business members to the government. Every month we take 20 businesses into Number 10 so that they can go and meet with the PM's policy man on enterprise, and tell him about the issues they are facing."
Something Jones is not concerned about is the level of entrepreneurial activity in the UK right now, citing record startup rates for the UK in 2013.
"It is in a very healthy state. The UK is witnessing record startup rates at the moment. In 2012 there were 484,000 new limited companies. This year the UK is on track to hit half a million. With this many businesses starting up, the emphasis now has to be on how to help these companies stay in business, beyond that critical 18 month point."
Jones also believes there is a strong social streak running through the startup scene right now.
"Every business that I work with has got a social element to it, because every business that I know is generating wealth that either goes to people who help that business grow, or goes back into the business to help build it. That said, at Enterprise Nation we run an event called 'Startup Saturday', where we form 40 businesses in the space of five hours training on a Saturday, and many of the businesses involved are made up of young people driven by a social conscience trying to rectify something that they think is wrong. "
While the biggest disruption in working practices of recent years has stemmed from innovation in digital communications, many believe that the next wave will be physical, through mass adoption of 3D printing. Jones agrees, but says until businesses see the benefit and costs fall further, collaborative working in communal space will be the norm.
"I think the most significant effect will be the opportunity it will offer others to get started in business. Companies like Maplin have started to offer 3D printers on the high street, but the kits are quite expensive. What we are seeing is the development of physical space, such as Makerversity in Somerset House. This will offer a whole floor of 3D printing equipment, accessible to artisans and designers on a pay as you go basis. I think what we'll see first if the rise of collaborative work spaces like this or FabLabs in Manchester. Once businesses understand the benefit, we'll see a wider adoption, in conjunction with a reduction in costs."
Another potentially disruptive trend is wearable technology, such as Google Glass, but Jones says she is not sure how much of an impact this will have for businesses,
"I can't really think of many applications of that for a small business owner. One area where I do think there are further opportunities is M-commerce, and facilities that can help small businesses get to market such as Intuit. I think 3D printing is the really big one though."
Emma Jones will be discussing how technology can transform your business at the O2 Business Show Live in Manchester Town Hall on 12 November 2013.
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