Vodafone's business.connected initiative marks a major milestone in its campaign to upskill the UK's small businesses, but challenges remain as the latest research reveals.
- Vodafone Business, working alongside Enterprise Nation, has achieved its goal of delivering free digital skills training to one million small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) through the business.connected programme.
- As Vodafone’s leading support initiative for small businesses, business.connected helps SMEs strengthen their digital capabilities and confidence, providing complimentary training, webinars, workshops, mentoring, and online courses.
- However, there is still work to be done to close the digital divide among small businesses as new research from Vodafone Business reveals that 78% believe small businesses risk losing out on seasonal sales if they are not fully equipped for online transactions. This comes as 64% of shoppers said they preferred to shop online rather than in-store in the run-up to Christmas.
- Consumers remain eager to support small businesses during the festive period. However, in the past year alone, 34% reported encountering difficulties when trying to make a purchase, discovering that suitable online payment options were not available.
Vodafone Business, in partnership with small business network Enterprise Nation, has announced that its business.connected programme has now met its goal of equipping one million small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) with free digital skills training to help them strengthen their digital capabilities and adapt to the rapidly evolving online marketplace.
Since its launch in 2021, business.connected – Vodafone’s flagship small business support progamme and part of Vodafone’s wider everyone.connected initiative – has supported one million SMEs and fostered increased digital confidence. The initiative offers free digital training, including webinars, workshops, digital bootcamps, mentoring, and courses.
Cybersecurity and SMEs: Three entrepreneurs share their advice
The latest episode of Vodafone’s business.connected video series brings three business leaders together to discuss common cybersecurity threats, and how founders can avoid them.
In addition, Vodafone Business also launched a new video series dedicated to supporting small businesses across the nation, bringing together inspiring small business founders and experts to share insights into everything from digital marketing and cybersecurity to AI and e-commerce.
Although reaching one million SMEs marks a major milestone, new research from Vodafone Business underscores the ongoing challenge of closing the digital skills gap. The study reveals that 78% of shoppers believe small businesses risk losing out on seasonal sales if they are not fully equipped for online transactions.
With nearly two-thirds (64%) of consumers now preferring to shop online instead of in-store this Christmas, a notable number of small businesses still remain ill-equipped to handle increased online activity. This puts them at risk of missing out on vital Christmas sales.
Artificial Intelligence, real change: How small business owners can use AI to grow
In the second episode of Vodafone Business’ new video series, three leaders break down the tools and strategies that are helping them – and other founders – make the most of AI.
Although consumers are eager to support small businesses, 34% said that they had attempted to make a purchase from a small business in the past year, yet were unable to do so because appropriate online payment options were not available.
Consequently, although over three-quarters of consumers said that supporting small businesses is important to them – especially during the festive period – many found that digital shortcomings presented significant obstacles to doing so.
The findings highlight how consumers now expect swift, secure, and intuitive online experiences, and demonstrate the extent to which digital preparedness is now vital for the growth and longevity of SMEs.
Four takeaways from everyone.connected reaching four million
As everyone.connected reaches its four million target, Chief Corporate Affairs and Sustainability Officer at VodafoneThree, Nicki Lyons, reflects on some of her most memorable moments from the programme.
Nick Gliddon, Business Director, VodafoneThree, said: “Reaching one million SMEs is a landmark achievement – however it also highlights how urgent the digital skills gap has become. Small businesses are the backbone of the UK economy, and yet many tell us they feel underprepared for a world where customers expect seamless online experiences. This is particularly critical during the Christmas period, when the surge in online sales can make or break the festive trading season for many small businesses. The need to manage increased website traffic, ensure secure and reliable online payment systems, and provide quick, accessible customer support becomes even more acute as consumers flock to digital channels in greater numbers.
“The business.connected programme was set up precisely to help SMEs navigate these scenarios. From setting up e-commerce platforms and running digital marketing campaigns, to protecting against cyber threats, utilising AI and adapting to rapidly changing consumer expectations. The programme has given so many entrepreneurs the confidence and capability they need to compete, stay secure, and unlock growth. We’re proud to support this vital community and will continue investing to help every SME thrive in a digital-first landscape.”
Aaron Asadi, CEO of small business support platform and membership community Enterprise Nation, said: “We’re proud to have delivered support to so many people through business.connected with VodafoneThree. But we see it as less ‘one million’ and more ‘the first million’.
“The next million businesses we train must be the most digitally and financially resilient yet.
“This has always been about tangible, meaningful change for small business. Upskilling entrepreneurs – especially those in high-stakes sectors like retail during the crucial Christmas period – is the fastest route to boosting productivity and competitiveness in a tough economy.”
Fear, uncertainty and doubt: why some people don't have digital skills
No matter why people don’t have digital skills, the Good Things Foundation - one of Vodafone's everyone.connected charity partners - helps people learn the basics, so they can make the most of the online world.
business.connected insights
Analysis of business.connected programme participation reveals a strong desire for digital upskilling across a broad range of sectors. Specifically, business and professional services account for 7% of participants; health, fitness and wellness make up 5%; creative and media industries represent 4%; and technology, apps, fintech and AI comprise 3%.
There is significant appetite for digital skills across the food and drink, education, fashion and jewellery, as well as general retail sectors. This broad participation highlights how essential digital capability has become for maintaining a competitive edge right across the UK economy.
Regarding digital growth across the UK’s nations and regions, London SMEs contributed the largest share of participation at 28%. The South East followed with 15%, West Midlands at 8%, North West at 7%, Scotland at 5%, and Wales at 2%. Entrepreneurs across the UK are increasingly adopting digital tools to attract new customers, boost efficiency, and overcome geographical barriers to growth.
Stay up to date with the latest news from VodafoneThree by following us on LinkedIn and Twitter/X.
