Tag: #sme

Google finds that only 20% of Irish SMEs are aware of the necessary cyber security measures to protect their data and digital assets

Research conducted by iReach Insights on behalf of Google has found that the majority of SMEs (77%) agree that having a secure online presence is a priority for their business, with 42% strongly agreeing that it is a priority. However, only 20% are very aware of the specific measures or tools required to protect their data/ digital assets while 64% know a little but not much.

When it comes to protecting their website and digital assets, the research shows that just over a half of SMEs regularly back-up data (54%), ensure software is updated (53%), and use two step authentication for accessing common owned devices (53%).

Despite the fact that a strong majority of Irish SMEs readily recognise the benefits of having a secure online presence, less than half of SMEs require employees to periodically change passwords (44%) or take regular or annual security awareness training (38%). Even less (28%) have an incident response plan in case of a cyberattack.

When it comes to how cyber security is managed,  38% of SMEs have their cybersecurity managed in-house, 25% have it outsourced, while 37% have a mix of both. Interestingly, the 38% of SMEs that have their cybersecurity managed in-house express the highest levels of satisfaction at 70%. The 37% of SMEs that have a mix of both In-House and Outsourcing, show the lowest satisfaction levels at 53%.

The findings were published as Google added a new module, ‘Improve your online business security’, to the You’re the Business initiative, a digital training scheme to help upskill Irish SMEs. Launched in July 2022 by Google, Enterprise Ireland and the Local Enterprise Offices, You’re the Business aims to accelerate Irish SME growth through digitalisation in the form of tailored, free of charge online training as well as an SME reward programme.

Marie Davis, Head of SME Retail, UK and Ireland, Google said: “Google is very proud of the You’re the Business initiative and how it has helped Irish businesses initiate, grow, and expand their digital capabilities over the last twelve months. We are introducing a new cyber security module as our research informs us that while Irish SMEs understand the importance of cyber security, they are not always aware of the measures required to protect their data and digital assets. Designed by Google experts, this online training program will better protect SMEs from the growing threat of cyberattack”.

John Magee, Chair of the network of Local Enterprise Offices, said; “Cybersecurity has been identified as a key area of both threat and growth in the coming years. It is vital that small businesses understand that, particularly those that have a significant online presence. As sustainability has become a pillar for many small businesses, so should cybersecurity and it is fantastic that we can now offer that expertise to every small business across the country through our partnership with Google and the You’re the Business initiative. This is another area where we are expanding our approach to ensure small businesses are getting the support they need from their Local Enterprise Office.

Carol Gibbons, Head of Regions and Local Enterprise, Enterprise Ireland, said; “The You’re the Business Campaign in partnership with Google and the Local Enterprise Offices has helped us to significantly increase our offerings to small business in the areas of digitization.  In recent years trading online has become crucial for many businesses and it has also opened doors to new markets internationally.  This brings opportunity but also significant exposure for businesses to threats such as cyber-crime. This new element of the initiative is the perfect first step for businesses to enhance their cybersecurity protocols.”

With the addition of the ‘Improve your online business security’ module today, SMEs can now access [ four modules that can help SME decision makers understand and grow their digital capabilities. All training is accessed through the You’re The Business website.

All training modules including the cyber training are available on-demand online. For further information please visit: g.co/yourethebusiness

Irish tech SMEs urged to join The Innovation Exchange to collaborate with leading multinational corporations

The Innovation Exchange, a programme that accelerates digital transformation for large multinational businesses (MNCs) by connecting them with indigenous Irish SMEs, is calling on innovative technology scale-ups to join the programme and collaborate with MNCs to help address their challenges.

Created by Furthr (formerly Dublin BIC) in partnership with Skillnet Ireland, the programme has announced additional funding to meet higher-than-expected demand. The new funding comes following a successful initial phase which enabled collaboration between 200 SMEs with some of Ireland’s leading corporations including Musgrave, Heineken, Ryanair, Glanbia, ESB and AXA.

At ‘Innovating for the Future’, an event held today to report its first six-month performance, The Innovation Exchange announced that it is to open its doors to an additional 100 digital transformation solutions providers to meet increasing demand from industry.

Discussing the programmes expansion at today’s event, Minister of State for Skills and Further Education, Niall Collins T.D. said: “I’m delighted to see The Innovation Exchange open its doors to a further 100 SMEs in 2022. With over 25 innovation challenges being published by some of Ireland’s leading multinationals this year alone, it offers ambitious tech SMEs great opportunities for growth.”

Conor Carmody, Programme Director, The Innovation Exchange, said: “The Innovation Exchange has had a strong start and the calibre of both corporates and SMEs participating has been very high. We are delighted to open applications for new technology SMEs to join the programme. We’re not only looking for tried and tested digital transformation solutions, but also for the ability to collaborate with large businesses who want to put their stamp on the end solution. If you’re a growing, solutions-focused SME then we would urge you to join The Innovation Exchange at a time when there are so many corporate challenges on the table.”

Mark Jordan, Chief Strategy Officer, Skillnet Ireland, said: “The Innovation Exchange has made great strides in its first six months, supporting the success of both large multinationals and indigenous SMEs. We are pleased to announce today’s expansion of the programme. The potential benefits to scaling companies extend way beyond signing a contract. By building the right capabilities, these firms are accessing a qualified sales pipeline and getting face time with prospective customers. I strongly encourage indigenous SMEs to consider the programme for a great opportunity to collaborate with leading multinational corporations.”

Launched in February 2022, The Innovation Exchange has had a number of successful outcomes to date, including 20 SMEs that have moved to a deeper engagement with a corporate partner, with one company announcing that it has signed a paid pilot.  Several other SMEs are in proof-of-concept discussions with a view to establishing a longer-term collaboration. More than 30 innovation challenges are expected to be published by large corporates for participating SMEs in 2022.

The paid pilot involves Exertis, an IT services company of DCC, and The Éclair Group (now Digital Workforce), a technology scale-up that is developing innovative solutions in robotics process automation. Exertis published an innovation challenge via The Innovation Exchange in May and The Eclair Group responded proposing a solution. Following a pitch and a proof-of-concept phase, a deal was agreed to enter a paid pilot.

The Innovation Exchange offers participants a range of benefits including:

  • A qualified sales pipeline and getting face time with prospective customers.
  • Opportunity to pitch your solution to prospective customers.
  • Gaining insights into markets and companies which helps SMEs pitch their solution more successfully.
  • Tailor-made training designed to improve performance of SME members when selling to large corporates.

Irish SMEs looking to digitalisation to future proof business and operate more cost effectively

Irish SMEs are investing in digitalisation to help future proof their businesses and operate more cost effectively at a time when they are concerned about the economy and rising costs of doing business according to a new survey commissioned by Google Ireland and conducted by Amárach.

The survey, commissioned ahead of Google’s International Small Business Week, found almost three quarters (72%) of  SMEs surveyed said that surviving the current period of economic uncertainty is a key priority over the next 12 months, while 71% are prioritising revenue and profit growth. In addition, the rising cost of doing business is a key concern for 63% of SMEs in the year ahead.

Despite this economic uncertainty and concern around rising costs, businesses recognised the impact that investing in digitalisation can have on managing costs and supporting growth.  Almost half (48%) of SMEs stated that digital skills and tools allow them to operate more cost effectively while 60% use them to connect with customers and 46% say it opens up new markets for their business. Further demonstrating the value of digital, 61% of those surveyed stated that digital skills are essential to future proofing their business.

When it comes to upskilling in digital, Irish SMEs are motivated to learn and willing to put in the time, with over 40% of SMEs surveyed having engaged in digital skills training over the past 12 months. However, there are still 20% of SMEs having not completed any digital skills training in the last two years and 19% having never completed any digital skills training at all.

Alice Mansergh, Director of Small Businesses at Google, said:

“It is really encouraging to see that Irish SMEs are embracing digital skills and tools to help them navigate this period of uncertainty and future proof their business. Notably, half the businesses surveyed see digital skills as indispensable to their business at this time. Today there is a digital divide, whereby even though more than 90% of Irish consumers are online, 45% of Irish businesses do not have a website. Helping businesses gain digital know-how and confidence are key to bridging the divide, and strengthening Ireland’s SME sector.  That’s why Google has come together with Enterprise Ireland and the Local Enterprise Offices to offer free training support for all.  Through our You’re the Business programme we’re providing free accessible training, in person or online, helping businesses get online, grow online and expand internationally.”

You’re the Business is a digital platform offering Irish SMEs access to free live and on-demand training sessions, geared toward supporting companies at all stages of their digitalisation journey. In addition, ten participants that demonstrate a commitment to digital will be awarded with a suite of customised supports, including mentorship and ad funding. In order to be considered as one of the ten firms to receive a package of tailored supports, SMEs can submit a video [via the You’re the Business site] detailing what their business means to them, as well as an example of how they have used digital to enhance their business. Submissions must be uploaded by 30th September 2022.

The survey also found that 66% of Irish SMEs believe that Ireland is a good place to own and operate a small business with 51% of those citing access to government supports like training and funding as a reason for that.

To mark International Small Business Week and to further support businesses on their digitalisation journey, Google Ireland has additional offers for Irish SMEs, available only during this week until September 16, including:

 

  • Save €200 off a Chromebook computer

  • Three months of Google Workspace’s business apps and collaboration tools at no charge

  • Get 60 Days of Shopify free of charge to help businesses create new websites

  • And more offers on the site at g.co/yourethebusiness on the “International Small Business Week” page

For further information on the various training modules as well as the opportunity to be awarded a customised support package, please visit: g.co/yourethebusiness

Amazon brings Academy business event for SMEs to Ireland for the first time. #SMEs #AmazonAcademy #Amazon

Amazon has announced that its first ever Amazon Academy event for small businesses in Ireland will take place on Friday 6th November 2020, providing free training and guidance to help businesses increase their online sales and reach new customers.

The virtual event aims to help entrepreneurs and SMEs grow their business online, boost their export sales, and improve the experience and services they provide customers. Businesses are invited to register for the free tickets here. More than 4,000 SMEs have attended previous Amazon Academy events to learn how to scale their business.

Amazon Academy Ireland has been created in partnership with Enterprise Ireland, Enterprise Nation, Design & Crafts Council Ireland and the Local Enterprise Office. The event will feature interviews, panel discussions and interactive Q&A sessions with Irish industry leaders, including RTE Dragon’s Den investor Alison Cowzer, successful Amazon entrepreneurs, as well as marketing, HR, accounting, IP and legal experts. They will provide a wide range of practical advice on how to grow sales and guidance on the issues facing businesses in Ireland today.

“Irish small and medium-sized businesses are the backbone of the economy and we’re excited to bring the Amazon Academy to Ireland for the first time to support, engage and inspire the next generation of world-class Irish entrepreneurs,” said Simon Donegan, Head of Seller Services, Amazon. “We’re looking forward to welcoming hundreds of people to our virtual event in November where they’ll meet and learn from some of Ireland’s leading business minds.”

Julie Sinnamon, CEO of Enterprise Ireland: “We are delighted to collaborate with Amazon on their first ever Amazon Academy Ireland, designed to help Irish SMEs and entrepreneurs realise their ambitions and embrace e-commerce for growth. More than ever, consumers around the world are shopping online and there is a significant appetite from Enterprise Ireland client companies to trade online and to partner with marketplaces such as Amazon to access new customers and markets. Virtual selling is one of the key areas of focus for Enterprise Ireland client companies and we are committed to helping Irish SMEs access the range of digital marketing supports available to help grow their businesses online”. 

Emma Jones MBE, Head of Enterprise Nation: “We are looking forward to bringing the Amazon Academy to Ireland for the first time to support the growing number of small businesses across the country, helping them build a stronger online presence and expand their digital might. It’s an exciting development in Amazon’s approach to supporting smaller companies and we are looking forward to a strong, informative and inspirational event.”

Amazon Academy Ireland takes place following a recent report from Enterprise Ireland, published during International Markets Week 2020, which showed that one in three SMEs have seen their export sales decline in 2020 due to COVID-19. But despite the challenges faced by small businesses this year, many remain optimistic, with more than half (57%) of Irish SMEs expecting a brighter outlook in 2021 alongside an ambition to create new jobs, and 83% intend to hire new staff next year.

Amazon offers a suite of services to help businesses export their products and services, including providing global delivery and distribution, managing customer services in the local language and translating hundreds of millions of product listings each year on behalf of smaller businesses.

Earlier this year, Amazon announced it was creating another 1,000 permanent jobs in Ireland over the next two years. The new, highly skilled roles will be based in locations across the company’s Cork and Dublin sites in Blanchardstown, Tallaght, the city centre, and north County Dublin, and will bring Amazon’s total permanent workforce in the country to 5,000 people over the next two years. This will help to support Ireland’s economic recovery following the COVID-19 pandemic

Securing Irish SMEs as cyber-attacks surge. #Dell #DataCentres #Cybersecurity

John O’Donoghue, Solution Consultant for the Data Centre Computer Group, Dell Technologies Ireland.

Cybersecurity is more important than ever, as hacks and attacks surge following the mass migration to remote working. Irish businesses are coming to terms with their ‘new normal’ and as many within the workforce adapts to remote working over the longer-term, organisations will become ever more vulnerable to attack. 

At a time when many small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Ireland are planning for an uncertain future while seeking to protect their employees, one area that businesses will need to focus on is security. Moreover, cybersecurity strategies need to be adapted at speed to the new ways of working to protect businesses. For smaller and medium businesses struggling with cash flow issues, a cyber-attack could be disastrous.

Covid-19 Cyber Realities

Since the start of the Covid-19 outbreak, the volume of cyber-crime and cyber-attacks became significantly more prevalent in Ireland, while the rate of phishing attacks skyrocketed by over 600% in Europe compared to previous figures. Attackers have been exploiting the fear and uncertainty generated by the pandemic by luring users to click on a variety of links or handover personal details – or unknowingly download malware.

The increased level of risk is being acknowledged across industries – with healthcare businesses being particularly affected. The World Health Organisation reported a five-fold increase in cyber-attacks, targeting its employees as well as the general public, with scammers impersonating the organisation. It took to the media to urge extra vigilance as a result. 

Meanwhile here in Ireland, An Garda Síochána has warned that the number of cyber-attacks is likely to increase further, as cybercriminals are using Covid-19 themed phishing scams and emails in an attempt to exploit vulnerabilities and fear.

SMEs are right to be concerned. Not only are they disproportionately being targeted, but they are particularly at risk from phishing attacks due to a comparative lack of cyber training and awareness. Larger businesses tend to have several in-house cybersecurity experts, enabling swift and effective responses. Speed is key when it comes to containing a breach.

Apart from a lack of awareness putting smaller businesses in Ireland at risk, the larger businesses that may rely on their goods and services also risk being exposed – creating both reputational as well as financial consequences. Cybersecurity is a collaborative effort, requiring all stakeholders to be aligned, alert and prepared to take the appropriate action in the event of an attack.

Protecting medium businesses

With high risks and high stakes, Irish SMEs will need to review and update security strategies – engaging with expert consultancy where possible for support. In order to protect businesses, data must be protected from the endpoint to the data centre, assessing each step of the chain and reviewing when the business landscape evolves. Being able to pivot in order to protect is key. Their first line of defence is their employees.

John O’Donoghue

Ensuring the workforce has a good understanding of cybersecurity essentials is a key part of any strategy – along with an instant response plan. This can be achieved through regular training, workshops and testing to help businesses spot security threats. With the surge in phishing attacks, it is important that they understand the risk, the levels of deception and the consequences. Practice really does help erase complacency and keep staff on their toes.

While some SMEs may ponder why they would be targeted over a larger business, overall they seem to accept that the threat is not only real but impending, according to a recent study. However, far from being complacent, with the volume of risk being exponentially high, there is a tendency for IT decision-makers to panic – and they need to know who to turn to for clarity.  

Trusted advisors with deep digital expertise should be able to share a clear security roadmap, that is surprisingly simple. Security experts at Dell Technologies Ireland help to tailor cyber strategies to businesses, providing a threat intelligence network using AI technologies, while ensuring the ecosystem of partners is covered. SMEs are not alone – but they do need to act.

As the Irish economy continues to digitise operations, supply chains, business transactions, and employee and customer services, cyberattacks are expected to continue to pose as one of the major threats. Shoring up security for medium businesses provides a critical lifeline in otherwise uncertain times.