There have been calls for more SMEs to be eligible for the government’s Help to Grow scheme.
The scheme was announced in the Budget in March 2021, aimed at providing SMEs with the digital and management tools needed to innovate, grow and help drive recovery. The funding was set at £520 million.
But the Association of Accounting Technicians (AAT), ACCA, Coadec, the Forum for Private Business and the Entrepreneurs Network have called for the eligibility threshold to be lowered so that companies with less than five staff could apply, and to expand the range of software available.
They wanted broadening the support available for those that obtained money through the scheme, including more training.
Phil Hall, head of public affairs and public policy at AAT, which has been the driving force behind getting the changes accepted, said his organisation had always supported the scheme but wanted it to give more SMEs the chance to take advantage of the latest digital tools.
“AAT has always supported the ambition and objectives of this scheme because we recognise that many small and medium-sized businesses would greatly benefit from adopting new technology”, he said.
“However, we didn’t think it was sensible to exclude over 90 percent of small businesses by requiring businesses to employ five or more staff to be eligible, and instead felt any company employing one or more individuals should be able to participate.
