In July, Currys Business revealed that it was developing its business hub network following 20 per cent year-on-year growth.
The technology giant made the move as it claimed that UK SMEs (small and medium-sized enterprises) were continuing “to balance rising costs with an increasing reliance on technology”.
The rollout also comes as UK businesses “face increasingly complex decisions around technology investment, cashflow management and operational efficiency,” according to Currys.
The company rolled out 10 new business hubs across the UK. Of the retailer’s 296 stores, 70 of them now have a business hub.
Bringing its expertise closer to UK businesses
Based inside Currys’ stores, the retailer’s business hubs provide SMEs with access to dedicated business customer managers, specialist business technology expertise, tailored support designed around the needs of local organisations, and flexible ways to pay, including Currys Business’ recently launched leasing service.
Director at Currys Business Chris Williams explains: “Technology is fundamental to every business, but choosing, managing and funding it can be complex, especially for small businesses who typically are not IT experts and do not have specialist procurement expertise.
“Trusted, local support is important for SMEs to help them make confident technology decisions, particularly when budgets are under pressure.”
“Expanding our business hub network allows us to bring that expertise closer to businesses across the UK.”
“More than simply a place to buy technology”
The electrical retailer’s business hubs are “designed to be much more than simply a place to buy technology,” Williams says.
Each hub has three to seven dedicated business specialists who “take the time to understand (each business’) challenges” and “recommend solutions that reflect the way each business operates”.
“Businesses can access everything from choosing the right technology and planning refresh cycles, to flexible ways to pay, including leasing, as well as installation and recycling services,” the exec explains.
“For many SMEs, particularly those without dedicated procurement or IT teams, having access to local knowledge and face-to-face support can make a real difference.”
Williams says it chose those locations due to “strong local demand” which had been “under-served without the presence of a business hub until now”.
However, he ensures that Currys Business will “continue to look at where demand exists and where we can best support local businesses”.
Support tailored to each business
Currys’ Business expansion of its business hubs forms part of its continued investment in supporting SMEs through local expertise, helping them to make informed technology decisions, manage costs effectively and invest with confidence.
Williams explains: “One of the biggest advantages of the hub model is that it allows us to provide support that is genuinely tailored to each business.
“Our business customer managers spend time understanding how businesses operate, the challenges they’re facing and what they’re trying to achieve before helping them identify the right approach.
“The needs of a school preparing for a new academic year will be very different from those of a landlord refreshing properties between tenancies or a hospitality business preparing for peak trading periods.”
He adds: “That ability to have face-to-face conversations and provide practical advice is something many SMEs really value.”
Williams also notes that the company believes customers need “more than access to great products” as technology “becomes more central to business success”.
“They increasingly value ongoing support before, during and after a purchase, whether that’s advice, flexible ways to pay or help getting new technology up and running,” he points out.
“That’s why our investment goes beyond expanding the business hub network.
“We’re continuing to invest in the people, services and support that help businesses get the most from their technology, from dedicated account management and flexible payment options to installation, setup and responsible recycling.”
He adds: “At the same time, many SMEs continue to face cost pressures and cashflow challenges, which means every investment decision matters more than ever.
“We’re increasingly seeing businesses look for ways to maximise value, spread costs where appropriate and ensure they’re investing in technology that genuinely supports productivity and growth.”
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