The aim of TMB is to improve the competitiveness of UK small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) through the provision of effective business-related ICT advice.
Why has TMB been set up?
At present small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) are unsure as to who can provide effective business related ICT advice. According to both DTI and Chartered Management Institute research most SMEs are either unable to source an adviser who can help them, or they distrust the advice they receive. TMB provides a recognisable channel of advice, which gives reassurance that advisers have reached the industry standard for giving business-related ICT advice. All TMB Accredited Advisers and Approved Centres are awarded the TMB quality mark.
How does TMB benefit SMEs?
Key features of TMB are:
- A recognised and independent accreditation process covering organisations and advisers with integrated business and ICT knowledge and skills
- Support from the Government (DTI) and leading ICT organisations
- A nation-wide network of Accredited Advisers and Approved Centres
- A TMB National Register of advisers and organisations with TMB accreditation maintained on the TMB website for promotion to SMEs.
Key benefits these features offer to SMEs
- Access to high quality ICT advice focused on business needs
- Up-to-date advice on the latest technology and links to other sources of useful business information
- Reduction in the time and risk associated with choosing an adviser or supplier
- Reassurance of the adviser's or organisation's credibility and ability to:
- Understand the role of ICT in business
- Understand issues facing SMEs
- Keep the use of jargon to a minimum
- Help integrate ICT into their business strategy
- Help identify how the full integration and utilisation of ICT can develop their business
- Assist them in managing the process of change
When you say SME, what exactly do you mean?
We use the DTI and EU definition of a small and medium sized enterprise that is a business that employs between one and 250 employees.
How will I know if an adviser or organisation is TMB accredited?
The TMB Logo acts as a quality mark, this is only awarded to advisers and organisations that have proven their competence to provide expert advice on the adoption of business-related ICT advice.
What does the TMB quality mark mean to my business?
Your business will have access to quality assured advice in the specific context of the business application and implementation of ICT. Effective business advice should incorporate ICT issues and that ICT advice should incorporate an understanding of an SME's business issues and needs. By using a TMB Accredited Adviser or Approved Centre SMEs can ensure that they receive advice that is relevant to their business needs.
Who is eligible to become TMB accredited?
Individuals and organisations offering advisory services on business-related ICT advice to SME clients is eligible for this accreditation. This includes:
- Business support organisations
- IT resellers and consultants
- Independent consultants
- Financial advisers and banks
Where can I find these Accredited Advisers and Approved Centres?
Once an adviser or organisation is accredited, their details will be placed in the TMB National Register which features on this site, with a facility that allows you to search by region, specialism or postcode for an Accredited Adviser and Approved Centre.
Will this mean that the cost of advice for small firms will raise?
Technology Means Business accreditation will add value to the services provided to small businesses by advisers and organisations. It is up to the individual Adviser or Approved Centre whether they wish to charge an added premium for advice once they have gained accreditation. However, to-date there has not been an increase in the cost of advice. Having TMB accreditation adds value to their service and enables those with accreditation to market them more effectively.
How can I be sure the TMB approved adviser will give impartial advice?
Some TMB Accredited Advisers and Approved Centres are tied to suppliers but have been awarded the TMB quality mark because they have proven their skills to support a client through the whole process of an ICT intervention; from inception through to implementation and continued support. They are only placed on the TMB National Register as long as they can demonstrate that there is a business need for the product and that its use will increase the competitiveness and profitability of the SME purchasing it.