The government backed Help to Grow: Digital scheme has expanded its reach, meaning up to 1.2 million businesses across the UK will now be eligible to receive support to adopt the latest technology.

From July 25, eligible businesses can access discounts of up to £5000 on approved software which will help boost productivity and growth, as well as receive free and impartial advice and guidance. Later this year, SMES will also be able to access one-to-one advice on how best to adopt digital technology.

Which businesses are eligible?

Businesses can be from any sector to qualify for the scheme but must meet certain criteria. This includes having 1 to 249 employees (if you are a micro-business, you will need at least 1 employee who is not an owner), having been actively trading for over 12 months and having an incorporation date of at least 365 days.

Eligible businesses must be based in the UK and registered with Companies House or be a registered society on the Financial Conduct Authorities Mutuals Register. To be able to benefit from the discount, businesses must be purchasing the approved software for the first time.

Which types of software are approved?

Businesses will be able to apply for discounts worth up to £5000 (not including VAT) on approved eCommerce, Customer Relationship Management and Digital Accounting software.

eCommerce software helps businesses sell their products and services online, providing a digital shopfront, taking payments and gathering customer insights and data to help businesses manage capacity and stock levels. Approved eCommerce software in the Help to Grow: Digital scheme includes Big Commerce, Comgem, EKM, Gob2b, Kentico and Shopwired.

Customer Relationship Management or CRM software allows businesses to store and order their data in a secure, central location, helping to improve efficiency and simplify business processes. Approved software for this category includes Capsule CRM, Deskpro Ltd, Gold-Vision CRM, Livepoint Software Solutions Ltd and Zymplify.

Digital Accounting software makes finance tasks easier to manage and often has tools to track spend and raise invoices. Approved Digital Accounting software includes well known programmes like Crunch, Intuit Ltd and Sage.

For further information about the Help to Grow: Digital scheme and to apply, visit: https://www.learn-to-grow-your-business.service.gov.uk/