About TMB printed from the Technology Means Business web site
 
What is Technology Means Business?
 
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).
 
Completion of the accreditation confirms an adviser has the right approach and the proven ability to offer a credible service.
 
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:
 

"Whenever SMEs consider seeking ICT advice, their first thought is to seek a TMB approved adviser".
 
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 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 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.
 
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.
 
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.
 
Features and Benefits of TMB
 

Key features of TMB are:

A recognised and independent accreditation process covering organisations and advisers with integrated business and ICT knowledge and skills
Support from the Government (DTI) and leading ICT organisations
A nation-wide network of accredited advisers
A central directory of advisers with TMB accreditation maintained on the TMB website for promotion to SMEs.

Key benefits these features offer to SMEs

Access to high quality ICT advice focused on business needs
Up-to-date advice on the latest technology and links to other sources of useful business information
Reduction in the time and risk associated with choosing an adviser or supplier
Reassurance of the adviser's or supplier's credibility and ability to:
Understand the role of ICT in business
Understand issues facing SMEs
Keep the use of jargon to a minimum
Help integrate ICT into their business strategy
Help identify how the full integration and utilisation of ICT can develop their business
Assist them in managing the process of change

Key benefits these features offer to the Adviser Community

Confirmation of expertise and knowledge
Quality mark that can be used in marketing activities to:
Differentiate their services
Reassure prospective clients about their broader ICT and business expertise
Access to web-based resources and information via the TMB website to support the provision consistent high quality business-related ICT advice
Part of a network of professional advisers from a broad range of backgrounds
Improved skills, knowledge and approach to supporting clients
Continuous Professional Development programme
Nationwide promotion of the TMB brand through a network of Partners
 
A National Scheme
 
"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
 
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.
 
Confidence in the Accreditation Programme
 
Technology Means Business is an organisation within the Chartered Management (Institute), the leading organisation for professional management in the UK. The TMB accreditation builds upon the Institute experience of accreditation, as well as drawing upon the model for technical certifications such as the Microsoft accreditations. The programme operates through approved independent centres and is monitored by the TMB Agency.
 
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"

Jon Furmast
Marketing Director, BT
 
"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"
 

Paul Tollet
Director of Small Business, Microsoft Ltd
 
"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"
 

Rene Schuster,
Chief Executive, Compaq

 
"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."
 

John Woodget
Director, Intel Northern Europe