March 16, 2021
The Cheshire East Council is looking for 200 SMB companies to participate in a free program to help them adopt digital technologies, increase their productivity and recover from the effects of Covid-19.
With the introduction of the Digital Accounting and Payment Technology (ADAPT) program, companies that sign up will have access to a dedicated knowledge center with information on the technologies available, benefits and how to adopt them, as well as best practice guides.
SMBs will be shown how these digital technologies can help solve the problem of late payments by automating their invoicing and payment processes so they get paid faster and overall debt is reduced.
A limited number of companies that register to participate will also be randomly selected to participate in an online event hosted by digital experts on the Barclays Technology Campus in Knutsford and supported by industry experts, as well as one in full Receive funded company diagnostics and support.
As part of the Digital Cheshire partnership, the council is also working on plans for a separate series of digital masterclasses. Further details on company applications will be announced in the coming months.
Councilor Nick Mannion, Cheshire East Council Cabinet Member for Environment and Regeneration, said: “It is estimated that over £ 14 billion is owed in late payments to UK SMEs and the impact on such businesses can be enormous – especially in the UK current climate The effects of Covid-19 are still being felt.
“We are committed to helping companies recover from the pandemic and are excited to offer this program so we can help companies be more productive and get paid faster.”
The ADAPT program, provided by the Cheshire East Council to SME Enterprises and funded by Innovate UK, the UK’s innovation agency, is open to SME companies based in or located in Cheshire East.
The places are strictly limited to 200. As part of the program, companies are asked to complete a series of surveys before and after the surveys.
Councilor Sarah Pochin, Cheshire East Council Business Champion, said, “The hunt for funds owed distracts internal resources and reduces the amount that can be spent building and developing a business.
“And since the Covid-19 outbreak and government restrictions, late payment issues have only worsened, making this program a real opportunity for SMEs.
“Places are limited and so I encourage SMEs to register their interest in this program as soon as possible so that they can start taking advantage of the wealth of information and best practice guidance.”
For more information and an expression of interest form, visit: www.adaptcheshire.org
