Introduced in 2021 to help businesses struggling through the pandemic, business.connected has evolved to become Vodafone’s flagship small business support initiative.
- Vodafone Business’ flagship initiative, business.connected, sets target of helping one million SMEs digitally upskill by end of 2025.
- Vodafone Business and its partner Enterprise Nation aim to reach this target by providing practical tools, expert training, tailored content and regional business bootcamps and workshops that reflect the needs and realities of modern businesses.
- To date, business.connected has already helped 800,000 SMEs digitally upskill since its inception in 2021, leaving a target of 200,000 SMEs to reach by the end of the year.
Having celebrated its 4th birthday earlier this year, Vodafone has introduced a new core goal for the programme, which is both ambitious and urgent – to digitally upskill one million UK small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) by the end of this year.
To date, business.connected has already assisted 800,000 SMEs in embracing new technologies to help grow their businesses, which leaves a remaining target of 200,000 to reach over the next six months.
Delivered in partnership with small business support platform and membership community Enterprise Nation, business.connected offers high-quality, accessible training across a wide range of digital topics. SMEs can participate through online webinars, digital workshops and in-person events tailored to their specific needs.
As a core pillar of Vodafone’s broader everyone.connected initiative – which aims to combat digital exclusion across the UK – this expanded ambition reflects Vodafone’s continued commitment to empowering SMEs with the tools, knowledge and confidence they need to thrive in an increasingly digital economy.
IT Reuse for Good charter launched to help businesses donate old devices
VodafoneThree has teamed up with Deloitte UK, Good Things Foundation and the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) to provide businesses with a means of donating old devices.
To help reach its target, the initiative is expanding, with the addition of a series of specialist regional bootcamps across the UK in Edinburgh (26 September), London (17 October) and Cardiff (6 November), offering in-person training tailored to the needs of local businesses.
The sessions will focus on strategies for building a successful digital business, including: finding your ideal customer; developing a brand; social media strategy; keeping your business safe; and using artificial intelligence (AI) for content creation.
Nick Gliddon, CEO, Vodafone Business UK, said: “business.connected is Vodafone’s flagship initiative to help small businesses thrive – and that’s more critical than ever. SMEs are facing significant economic pressures, from inflation and rising costs to the ongoing need to adapt to a rapidly evolving digital landscape. Through business.connected, we’re proud to offer meaningful support that empowers small businesses to build resilience and seize new opportunities.
“We’re also continuously looking at innovative and accessible ways to engage this time-poor but vital community – ensuring we meet them where they are to deliver real value when they need it most. By setting a new target of reaching one million SMEs this year, we’re reaffirming our commitment of ensuring every business, no matter their size or location, has the tools and confidence to thrive in the digital age – all powered by our market-leading network.”
Cyberhackers costing UK SMEs £3.4bn a year
To help SMEs provide essential cybersecurity training to staff, Vodafone Business is offering a complimentary one-month trial of CybSafe, a leading human risk management platform.
Aaron Asadi, CEO, Enterprise Nation, said: “business.connected has already played an incredibly important role in upskilling the UK’s entrepreneurs with digital confidence and vital tools that are already helping them to improve productivity and maintain competitiveness.
“In today’s rapidly evolving economy, digital business skills are fundamental for every business – from high-street bakers to plumbers and everything in between. Technology helps businesses to adapt income streams, become more resilient to future shocks, and shape their future success.
“We are delighted to be working with Vodafone Business to reach more businesses and achieve this ambitious milestone.”
Following the merger between Vodafone UK and Three UK, the new company has committed to investing £11 billion to develop the UK’s digital infrastructure, delivering a cutting-edge nationwide 5G Standalone network that enhances connectivity, supports innovation, and drives economic growth.
Find out more about business.connected.
Stay up to date with the latest news from VodafoneThree by following us on LinkedIn and Twitter/X.
-Ends-
Notes to Editors
business.connected workshops 2025
