RLB Digital and Nottingham Trent University have teamed up to launch a digital landscape guide for SMEs to ease their digital transition
The new digital landscape guide is a collaboration between RLB Digital and the School of Architecture, Design and Built Environment at Nottingham Trent University, under the Innovation Driven Procurement Project funded by Construction Industry Training Board.
According to the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors (RICS)’s Digitalisation in Construction report 2023, over half of those working in the construction industry are failing to adopt digital practices.
In 2022, it was estimated that there were over 900,000 small businesses in the sector, with many of these lacking in resource, time, or training to digitalise their processes and systems.
Enabling SMEs to gain the benefits of digital tools
Digital adoption can help SMEs in many practical and immediate aspects of running a business – to help with the administrative burden, win work, complete jobs faster and to a better quality and maintain or grow their income, at a time when there are many pressures on their bottom line and their clients’ pockets.
Acting as a starting point to help business owners feel more confident about running their businesses digitally, the guide supports SME owners in their understanding of what digital tools are available, how to choose the right ones and how to embed them in their business.
Supporting digital adoption at every level
Anne Bowerman, business analyst at RLB Digital, comments: “We currently have a very tiered approach to the adoption of digital within the built environment. We hope this guide can support those who might want to begin their digital journey but need that additional support to get them started.”
Dr Emmanuel Manu from the School of Architecture, Design and Built Environment at Nottingham Trent University comments, “The RLB team has been instrumental in supporting us and the Innovation Driven Procurement Project to make this guide become a reality. This interactive guide can support education and adoption of digital technology within the sector at every level.”
The Digital Landscape for SMEs in Construction guide is free to access.
