Business Innovation and Technology in the North East
Innovation is more than just a pretty word that tech companies and MSPs use to give their products and services an otherworldly feel, and the North East seems to be demonstrating a real passion and commitment to integrate tomorrow’s technology in the business world – ultimately to help businesses in the region thrive and really stand out in a competitive marketplace.
In this blog we will look at the amazing regional advancements being made with the help of emerging technology and MSPs throughout the North East, and what that can mean to your business.
Are you using enough technology in your business?
Show me a successful, profitable business in the North East and I’ll lift the hood to reveal a strong technological heartbeat and nervous system. The best managers and business owners of the past would make the most of their human workforce and the machines at their disposal to produce, market and sell their wares. Business today from that perspective is no different, except…
You have access to an ever-evolving digital staff member on your team which can have a huge impact on your business.
Technology, when used right, seamlessly integrates itself into your business – taking the ‘human error’ out of repetitive (and boring) tasks, whilst connecting teams across geographically remote areas of the planet to performing and calculating complex operations, to storing and distributing data, to analysing trends to effectively marketing your services to a whole new set of potential customers.
The capacity that technology has to take the headache out of business and make your life easier is unsurpassed and is always evolving.
The new digital 5G lab being developed in Eldon Square, Newcastle is one major example of the North East’s commitment to helping businesses and residents keep pace with emerging technology and the potential positive impact it can have. It is already estimated to be worth around £30 Billion to investors.
Read more on this exciting development here
Technology is thriving in the North East – Is your business?
In today’s digital age, technological innovation has become synonymous with business success.
Understanding the needs and wants of your customers and adapting your product, service, or the way you market your business is key to sustained growth and increased market share. Investment in technology has become a winning ingredient to the North East business economy.
In 1939 John Gregg started the very first Greggs shop on Goforth High Street in Newcastle upon Tyne. At the time there was not a computer in sight. Fast forward to today and from Newcastle to Sunderland to Durham to… well Greggs is international now, and they attribute much of their success to cutting-edge technology in every area of their business – including the supply chain, shop systems as well as the Greggs App and website.
Read more on this here
Of course, technology can be looked at as a double-edged sword. Last year, banking giant Barclays cut more than 5,000 jobs as their technology and automation capabilities were improved.
A Barclays spokesperson said: “Barclays removed approximately 5,000 headcounts globally through 2023 as part of its ongoing efficiency programme designed to simplify and reshape the business, improve service, and deliver higher returns.”
There is an ongoing debate as to whether the inevitable human redundancy that technology in business has created is a good thing and that is perhaps left for another time, but it is evident that investment in technology saves money and actually is a money generator.
AI and YOUR North East business
It must seem to some, that the digital landscape is changing too fast. We were barely getting to grips with social media and SEO when AI reared its head and shook its digital mane for us all to marvel at.
Late last year the first AI safety summit for the North East was hosted at Northumbria University in Newcastle upon Tyne, to discuss the inevitability of AI, its capacity and how to use it responsibly.
Read the debate here
Whatever your views on AI, it is already making a significant impact on the business world:
Embracing technology doesn’t mean you have to speak IT
From streamlining operations to enhancing customer experiences, technology plays a pivotal role in driving growth and differentiation. However, for many UK businesses, navigating the complex landscape of technology can be daunting, requiring expertise and resources that may be beyond their reach. This is where Managed Service Providers (MSPs) step in, offering a comprehensive suite of services designed to help businesses harness the power of technology and innovation to achieve their goals.
The problem, however, which has existed for so many years is that the people who speak technology and the people who speak business to a high degree are very often two separate species. This leads many of our regional business owners to almost curse technology and dream of a more simplistic time.
As a business owner, whether you’re here in the North East or elsewhere in the UK you speak and think ‘business’, which means you need to quantify your investments both in your human workforce and in your integrated technology. You need to know that your IT is doing exactly what it should be and in the fastest, most cost-efficient way. You also need to have the confidence that your technology is on par with (or better than) that of your competitors.
But the question remains:
Does your MSP partner really understand your business operations well enough to make sure your business is as efficient, productive, streamlined, and forward-thinking as it can be?
There are some fantastic MSPs in the North East but as I’m writing this blog I’m going to blow the trumpet of a Gateshead-based MSP – okay, it’s us:
Infrazen is one of the North East’s leading managed service providers. Our main strength is that our team are not only tech geniuses, but we speak ‘business’ proficiently and it is that knowledge that allows us to integrate the very best technological solutions to both save your company money and time and also to generate more time and money to spend on… well that’s up to you.
Let’s have a chat…
Whether you are North East based or your business is national, give INFRAZEN a call and let’s take your business to the next level. Click HERE to get in touch.
