Capterra’s Latest Survey: UK SMEs Navigate the Post‑COVID Tech Landscape
When the pandemic hit, many small and medium‑size firms had to rethink their software game plan. Capterra’s newest study breaks down how the UK’s business community is dodging, dealing, and deciding on new tech.
The Numbers That Matter
- 27 % of respondents say the COVID crisis knocked out at least half of their planned software buys (January – May).
- Budgets were shuffled, timelines pushed forward, and many got a six‑month delay on their tech rollout.
What’s Flying Off the Shelves
The pandemic has turbo‑charged a handful of categories:
- Remote desktop tools
- Live‑chat apps
- Video‑conferencing platforms
- Project‑management suites
- VPNs, HR software, and appointment‑scheduling solutions (a smaller, but growing, share)
Decision‑Making on a Shoestring Budget
When executives weigh in on what matters most, price and ease of use take the spotlight.
- Price: 58 % of decision‑makers say it’s the top factor.
- Ease of use: 53 % look for software that’s simple to get the whole team on board.
- Free versions or trials: 48 % want a taste before they bite.
- Reviews: 46 % trust user feedback as a key green light.
It lines up with Gartner’s recent note that IT spending may dip 8 % this year compared to last year’s total budget.
When Survival Rests on Software
A whopping 52 % of decision‑makers claim the right tech is vital for their company’s survival during and after the crisis.
On the flip side, 35 % fear the business might struggle for another six months if the current conditions persist—and that’s the bottom line without any government help.
Sonia Navarrete, content analyst says, “Half of SMEs see buying the right software as a lifeline. The crisis forced an upgrade, and managers today hunt for tools that are quick to adopt, don’t break the workflow, and keep the business humming.”
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