SHEFFIELD, England, February 8 /PRNewswire/ --

SHEFFIELD, England, February 8 /PRNewswire/ --

Nearly two million small businesses (49%) are putting their data and productivity at risk by using old technology to run their business.

A new survey by BizHelp24 <http://www.bizhelp24.com> has found that 24.8% of small business owners say they do not need to update or replace their computers and other technology at all, while 12.4% only update them every three years, and 12.1% every four years or more.

This is despite small business employees saying that slow and unreliable computers are the biggest cause of irritation in the office (i). Positively though, 34.7% of businesses do upgrade or replace their equipment once a year or more; ensuring their equipment remains productive and reliable.

Here are five top reasons why upgrading can benefit your business:

- Faster computers help productivity, and prevent staff irritation

- Technology becomes more unreliable as it gets older, putting your data at risk

- New printers and faxes are cheaper to run, and produce better results

- Buying new equipment is usually more cost effective than repairing old equipment

- As technology gets smaller, you gain more office space

Colin Duguid, Managing Director of BizHelp24 said, "Whilst older computers may still do the job, they can be slow and unreliable; and are more likely to break down, disrupting your business. Updating or replacing your equipment every couple of years helps to ensure your staff can stay productive, and minimises the risk of you losing your data or needing to pay the cost of repairs.

"Businesses that have invested in good technology may be justified in keeping it for several years, but it is worrying that so many businesses say they do not need to update their technology at all."

(i) BizHelp24 Survey Results from September 2006

The survey of over 360 small business owners/managers/employees was conducted on www.bizhelp24.com during January 2007.

How Often do you Buy or Upgrade Your Business Computers and Technology (E.g.: Printers, Faxes)

I don't need to update them-24.8%

More than once a year-24.8%

Every Two Years-16%

Every Three Years-12.4%

Every Four Years or More-12.1%

Every Year-9.9%

Notes to Editors

1. BizHelp24 provides businesses with over 400 free and comprehensive articles on a variety of important business topics. Established in 1998, BizHelp24 is one of the longest running independent business information sites in the UK. The site is all about helping small firms; with a range of information for entrepreneurs, small businesses and those looking to start their own business.

2. The free BizStart24 software (subject to subscribing to our fortnightly newsletter) provides more than 40 forms and letters to make running a business easier. In addition, the free BizHelp24 Newsletter provides 15,000 entrepreneurs with the latest information every fortnight.

For more information please contact Robert Mortimer. Email: rob@bizhelp24.com Tel: +44-(0)1246-299703