| What is Technology Means Business?
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Technology Means Business is
the industry standard accreditation for those providing
integrated business and information and communications
technology (ICT) advice to small and medium sized enterprises
(SMEs). |
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| Completion of the accreditation
confirms an adviser has the right approach and the proven
ability to offer a credible service. |
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| The ultimate aim of TMB is
to improve the competitiveness of UK SMEs through the
provision of effective business-related ICT advice. Our
vision is: |
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"Whenever SMEs consider seeking ICT advice, their
first thought is to seek a TMB approved adviser".
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| Scope of the programme |
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| Technology Means Business was developed
following a call from Government and leading technology companies
to improve the quality and consistency of advice received by
small businesses. It is an organisation within the I T Forum Foundation and supported by the DTI, under the UK
Online for Business initiative and by four founding sponsors:
BT, Compaq, Intel and Microsoft.
Both DTI and Chartered Management Institute research, conducted
in 1997 and 2000, concluded that SMEs were failing to utilise
ICT effectively. Many respondents claimed they still had difficulty
in finding good external help to solve their ICT issues.
First proposed in December 1998 in the DTI's Competitiveness
White Paper, the programme is part of the broader DTI UK Online
for Business initiative, which aims to encourage greater uptake
and usage of ICT among SMEs. The programme is a recognition
of the fact that SMEs turn to a variety of sources for advice
on the implementation of ICT solutions to business problems,
such as banks, accountants, ICT re-sellers, independent business
and ICT advisers, as well as local Business Link and UK Online
for Business advisers.
Click here for information on
partners and sponsors.
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| Access to the Right Advice |
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Technology Means Business has
established a national register of accredited advisers
who are dedicated to helping companies with all aspects
of ICT understanding and operation. This is a service
that takes away the confusion over who can help. Businesses
can select an adviser by region and specialisation, and
can be confident that the adviser will give realistic,
up-to-date advice in line with business needs. |
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| Confidence in Your Adviser |
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Every adviser must meet stringent
criteria and demonstrate a level of competence that combines
technical knowledge with business expertise. TMB accredited
advisers come from a broad range of general and specialist areas
from the private and public sectors including: business support
organisations (e.g., Business Link, UK online for business),
IT resellers and consultants, independent consultants, financial
advisers and banks.
For advisers who undertake the accreditation, it's no one-off
exercise. Every year, all TMB accredited advisers are reaccredited,
so that the advice given is current and up-to-date.
Click here to find out how to
become TMB accredited.
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| Features and Benefits of TMB |
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Key features of TMB are:
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A recognised and independent
accreditation process covering organisations and advisers
with integrated business and ICT knowledge and skills |
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Support from the Government
(DTI) and leading ICT organisations |
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A nation-wide network of accredited
advisers |
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A central directory of advisers
with TMB accreditation maintained on the TMB website for
promotion to SMEs. |
Key benefits these features offer to SMEs
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Access to high quality ICT
advice focused on business needs |
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Up-to-date advice on the latest
technology and links to other sources of useful business
information |
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Reduction in the time and risk
associated with choosing an adviser or supplier |
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Reassurance of the adviser's
or supplier's credibility and ability to: |
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Understand the role of ICT
in business |
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Understand issues facing SMEs |
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Keep the use of jargon to a
minimum |
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Help integrate ICT into their
business strategy |
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Help identify how the full
integration and utilisation of ICT can develop their business
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Assist them in managing the
process of change |
Key benefits these features offer to the Adviser Community
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Confirmation of expertise and
knowledge |
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Quality mark that can be used
in marketing activities to: |
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Differentiate their services |
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Reassure prospective clients
about their broader ICT and business expertise |
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Access to web-based resources
and information via the TMB website to support the provision
consistent high quality business-related ICT advice |
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Part of a network of professional
advisers from a broad range of backgrounds |
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Improved skills, knowledge
and approach to supporting clients |
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Continuous Professional Development
programme |
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Nationwide promotion of the
TMB brand through a network of Partners |
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| A National Scheme |
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"Small
and medium sized businesses are the lifeblood of the UK's
economy. It is vital, therefore, that they receive the
very best advice on harnessing information and communications
technologies with their business. Technology Means Business
is a professional standard for quality and consistency,
for small businesses that need such advice."
Patricia Hewitt
Minister for small business
and E-commerce
now secretary of Trade and Industry
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| The accreditation scheme is open
to any adviser or company who advises SME clients on business
and ICT issues. Click here to
find out how to become TMB accredited. |
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| Industry Comments |
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"With Technology Means
Business, there are now real opportunities for SMEs to
access the right technology advice to benefit their business" |
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Jon Furmast
Marketing Director, BT
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"It is important for small
businesses to ensure that they are getting the most out
of their technology before investing to update their existing
infrastructure and preparing to go online. The advisers
with Technology Means Business accreditation will help
small business to achieve this and look to the future
of the business by developing a suitable e-business strategy" |
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Paul Tollet
Director of Small Business, Microsoft Ltd
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"Seeking technology advice
in particular can be a minefield - a growing pool of advisers
with TMB accreditation will save time and reduce the risk
associated with choosing one adviser over another" |
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Rene Schuster,
Chief Executive, Compaq
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"Decisions you make today
on your internet-based business model will have consequences
not just for today but for years to come, and that's why
Intel recognises that the work of TMB is essential in
helping small businesses in the UK to get the advice and
expertise they need." |
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John Woodget
Director, Intel Northern Europe
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