Welcome to the Capterra newsroom! Here you can find all the press releases of the studies conducted in 2023.
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Press releases published this year
- 53% of employees experience decreased productivity in coworking environments
- UK takes lead in consumer spending changes amid economic crisis
- 68% of UK businesses regret a recent tech purchase, Capterra study finds
- 5G, AI, and IoT: UK’s Top Smart City Drivers
- Smart Cities in the UK: A smart idea?
- A third of employees fear “over-reliance” on ChatGPT at work
- Generative AI in the workplace: Threat or opportunity?
- One in four people in the UK have used live shopping
- Influencer followers: 55% are more likely to buy from brands that use influencers
- Nearly 9 out of 10 Britons have changed their spending habits since the cost of living crisis
- 81% of consumers are “anxious” as food, beauty products, and clothes prices bite
- Lack of resources caused by Climate Change threatens half of the UK’s SMEs
- 82% of SMEs express concern about the impact of Climate Change on their business
- Businesses in the UK are the most concerned about climate change among surveyed countries
- A third of SMEs don’t understand what ESG means, a Capterra UK survey finds
- Trends that will shape HR over the next 5 years, according to Capterra research
- 84% of employees have shared concerns about climate change at work
- What will it take for a company to spend 20K on your software in 2023?
- 62% of UK firms plan to spend more on software in 2023
53% of employees experience decreased productivity in coworking environments
November 2023 - In the dynamic landscape of modern work, Capterra's November 2023 survey in the UK reveals a significant rise in coworking space occupancy rates at 83%. Businesses are drawn to these spaces for cost reduction, flexibility, and shared amenities. Despite the collaborative appeal, 66% of employees working in shared spaces prefer private offices, citing advantages such as safer IT security and enhanced privacy. The survey emphasises the importance of optimising workspace dynamics, fostering collaborative environments, prioritising employee satisfaction, and balancing diverse needs for effective workspace decisions.
UK takes lead in consumer spending changes amid economic crisis
November 2023 - This Consumer Trends E-book consolidating findings from six consumer surveys, provides insights to consumer-focused SMEs looking to plan and react to evolving customer expectations in 2024. The rising cost of living as well as shifts in shopping experiences are some of the reasons why organisations have adapted their strategies to engage modern consumers.
- 35% of respondents from all surveyed countries are very interested in trying checkoutless shops.
- 88% of UK consumers have declared adjusting their spending habits more than in other nations
- 37% of UK consumers had a lower distrust level when sharing personal data with companies than other surveyed countries
68% of UK businesses regret a recent tech purchase, Capterra study finds
November 2023 - A Capterra survey found that despite 82% of businesses anticipating accelerated growth in the next 18 months, 68% regretted recent tech purchases. While 58% plan to increase technology spending, the survey highlights challenges in the software selection process. To mitigate future regrets, 30% suggest securing a budget early in the software selection process, emphasising the importance of financial planning.
- Advances in tech shape the goals of 29% of UK businesses emphasizing its pivotal role in strategic planning
- Identifying technology aligned with business goals is a key challenge for 40% of businesses, while 37% face obstacles in securing funding for tech investments
- 28% of UK businesses prioritising investment in IT security software in the coming year
5G, AI, and IoT: UK’s Top Smart City Drivers
November 2023 - The integration of 5G, IOT and AI emerges as a transformative force, propelling cities toward a smarter future. Capterra surveyed 1,058 UK residents to better understand what technologies are driving smart living. As cities become reliant on data to enhance services and efficiency, striking a balance between innovation and protecting privacy becomes a challenge. According to the respondents, the biggest concerns about smart cities would be the lack of data protection (62%) and increased surveillance (49%).
- 54% of respondents recognised 5G as the most prevalent smart technology available in their city
- IoT tech is widespread in London, being the most predominant smart technology accessible to 45% of residents
- 69% of respondents were concerned about cyberattacks and ransomware in case of a data breach.
Smart Cities in the UK: A smart idea?
September 2023 - The concept of smart cities continues to evolve as governments, municipalities, and businesses transform their services to meet urban needs. Capterra's survey of 1,058 UK residents revealed heightened perceptions and appeal for these urban developments: 81% expressed a desire to live in a smarter city model.
- The top 3 advantages of smart cities are greater sustainability (35%), increased security (28%), and efficient urban planning (28%)
- Smart mobility is the most common smart city service available to 72% of UK residents
- The majority (39%) of residents identified sustainability as the top focus for smart city development
A third of employees fear “over-reliance” on ChatGPT at work
August 2023 - Despite the widespread adoption of ChatGPT in UK workplaces, a Capterra survey found that a third (32%) of employees expressed concerns about the over-reliance on this tool to perform their work tasks, as well as its security risks. The study highlights the importance of businesses finding a balance between AI automation and human expertise while deploying strict cybersecurity measures.
- The majority (76%) of employees said they used ChatGPT on a daily basis
- Around a third (32%) of employees shared security concerns regarding the potential hacking of ChatGPT
- 60% of employees said they meticulously reviewed the outputs from ChatGPT
Generative AI in the workplace: Threat or opportunity?
August 2023- To gather insights into the impact of generative artificial intelligence in the workplace, Capterra surveyed 496 UK-based employees who use this technology at least twice per month for work. According to the survey, the majority (96%) of employees that use generative AI tools at work said it increased their productivity to some degree, suggesting their potential to empower teams across multiple departments and industries.
- 61% of employees said that a significant portion of their company was actively using these tools at work
- 85% of workers somewhat or strongly agreed that this technology helped their business develop more innovative and creative work
- 72% of staff that openly use AI tools at work said that regulations and guidelines had been implemented
One in four people in the UK have used live shopping
July 2023 - In this Capterra study, 76% of respondents who had participated in a live commerce event said they felt satisfied with their overall live shopping experience. The use of social media for purchasing and live shopping experiences is shifting from traditional methods due to increased convenience and personalised interactions. Consumers now value the immediacy and social aspects of online shopping, transforming the retail landscape. Although modern ways of shopping are popular, there is still some reticence amongst some consumers.
- 25% of consumers have already participated in a live-streaming commerce event either once or several times
- 73% of the respondents who have participated in a live commerce event identified social media channels such as Instagram and TikTok as their preferred platforms for consuming this content.
- 41% of consumers have explained that they use live shopping to buy products online
Influencer followers: 55% are more likely to buy from brands that use influencers
July 2023 - Influencers play a pivotal role in people’s purchasing decisions. This Capterra survey comprised 1,013 UK online consumers with the objective of better understanding how influencers are perceived and the importance of this marketing strategy. As regulations evolve, transparency in partnerships will become crucial for the effectiveness of influencer marketing strategies on social media.
- 55% of consumers who said they followed influencers on social media, stated Instagram as their top channel for viewing influencer content.
- Consumers tend to show preferences for fashion influencers (50%) lifestyle influencers (49%) or Food/Cooking (41%)
- 48% of respondents who had made a purchase as a result of an influencer said they had been disappointed.
Nearly 9 out of 10 Britons have changed their spending habits since the cost of living crisis
June 2023 - As we continue to talk about consumer spending habits and company expenditure in 2023, UK SMEs have started adapting their strategies to meet consumer demands. A total of 79% of respondents are looking for discounts to be able to save up money. UK consumers are increasingly using apps and platforms to facilitate online shopping and find loyalty programs
- The biggest cutbacks were on clothes (72%), groceries (66%), and bars & restaurants (66%).
- 70% of UK household consumers currently use loyalty programs or apps to look for shopping deals
- UK shoppers are saving money by purchasing cheaper products (68%) or by buying store-brand products more frequently (55%)
81% of consumers are “anxious” as food, beauty products, and clothes prices bite
May 2023 - Given the current global economic crisis, consumers have modified their spending habits. As many as 81% of respondents from this survey reported concerns about prices going up. Facing all these challenges, UK SMEs have started to adapt their customer loyalty strategy to help retain current shoppers.
- Communicating about price changes and being transparent is significantly found useful to 45% of the respondents.
- 26% of respondents have noticed a decrease in product size or service scope.
- 53% of the respondents demanded that businesses be more transparent about price changes.
Lack of resources caused by Climate Change threatens half of the UK’s SMEs
April 2023 - SMEs in the UK are grappling with the tangible effects of climate change, prompting a survey by Capterra UK to assess the impact on 269 SME managers. UK businesses are actively adjusting their business strategies to mitigate climate change risks. Regulatory uncertainty emerged as the current primary concern for 34% of businesses, followed closely by disruptions in the supply chain, increased insurance costs, and employee mental health, each at 32%. Alarmingly, the survey indicates that the challenges are poised to intensify. This suggests a growing awareness among businesses about the impending risks associated with climate change and the need for proactive measures.
- 64% of surveyed managers from UK SMEs are actively incorporating changes into their business strategies to address the impact of climate change.
- Looking ahead, 49% of SMEs identify resource scarcity as the primary future threat
- 45% anticipate increased disruptions in their supply chains due to climate-related issues.
82% of SMEs express concern about the impact of Climate Change on their business
April 2023 - SMEs are trying to tackle climate change. According to a Capterra survey,64% of SMEs are already implementing changes to their business strategies to mitigate the risk of climate change. Although the majority of respondents are implementing changes, only 31% are interested in doing so. With the different sets of challenges that come with companies being more sustainable, UK companies can use software in their favour to meet climate goals.
- 76% of SMEs use energy management software to meet climate goals
- 41% of SMEs use waste management software to implement environmental policies
- 56% of companies implementing environmental measures say they use technology or software as part of their business response to climate change
Businesses in the UK are the most concerned about climate change among surveyed countries
April 2023 - Capterra conducted a survey spanning the UK, France, Italy, Netherlands, and Australia, delving into how SMEs are navigating climate change mitigation strategies. The survey encompasses 1400 managers and executives revealing that the UK is one of the top surveyed countries to be worried about climate change. UK companies are trying their best to be proactive in addressing these climate concerns and with the help of government actions, 39% of UK SMEs have confirmed receiving financial aid.
- 81% express concern about the impact of climate change on their business
- 39% apply ESG strategies, showcasing a strong commitment to sustainable business practices
- 36% attribute modifications in business practices to compliance with government regulations
A third of SMEs don’t understand what ESG means, a Capterra UK survey finds
April 2023 - Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) Initiatives are crucial to companies wanting to up their green spending, but according to Capterra’s study, only 30% of SMEs fully understand what ESG means. This research delves into why companies invest in these initiatives as well as current challenges that UK organisations will face in the near future. A couple of highlights include:
- 36% of respondents, said they knew the concept of ESG but did not know what it meant
- Although SMEs showed interest, 52% of them still hadn’t implemented ESG programs in their company
- 50% of SMEs see financial issues as the biggest obstacle inhibiting the implementation of environmental practices
Trends that will shape HR over the next 5 years, according to Capterra research
April 2023 - Capterra UK’s study reveals workplace trends that will shape HR departments over the next 5 years. The trends demonstrate what employees value most, how companies can adapt to ever-changing work-life balance and what type of company culture is favoured amongst employees. Although the pandemic has modified the way businesses operate, organisations can keep investing in employee learning and work on strengthening social connections between employees, in order to boost employee engagement.
- When considering a job, 36% of respondents cited learning opportunities as one of the top 3 important factors
- 26% of employees find building relationships with co-workers very important, affecting overall job satisfaction
- When choosing who to work for, 31% of job applicants considered company culture as one of the most important factors
84% of employees have shared concerns about climate change at work
January 2023 - According to a Capterra survey, 84% of employees working in small or medium-sized companies in the UK have voiced apprehensions regarding climate change, with nearly half (45%) expressing these concerns to a substantial degree. Acknowledging the pressing need for climate action, 64% of SMEs are actively incorporating alterations into their business strategies to mitigate the risks associated with climate change.
- 46% affirm that they sort out bin waste in their workplace (plastic, paper, organic)
- 60% of SMEs believe that the reason for changing their business practices is because of their organisation's belief in taking care of the environment
- 31% said they were curious about taking measures to reduce environmental damage
What will it take for a company to spend 20K on your software in 2023?
January 2023 - Findings from Capterra UK's Consumer Trends Report, derived from responses from nearly 300 decision-makers in UK companies, indicate a notable shift toward technology adoption as a survival strategy. The report highlights that in 2022, the average expenditure on IT architecture and security software surpassed £23,000. The study reveals that the predominant software investment among surveyed companies in the previous year was in the realm of "Security & IT Architecture," with 45% of businesses opting to allocate resources to this technological domain.
- Among the 43% of firms investing in HelpDesk and Support tools, 55% spent between US$5,000 and US$25,000 (approx £4,000 - £20,000)
- 62% of companies plan to increase their software spending in 2023, recognising the significance of technology as an economic investment
- 55% of respondents prioritise security features and cost when considering software purchases
62% of UK firms plan to spend more on software in 2023
January 2023 - Capterra UK conducted an online survey involving 1,526 business leaders and managers, revealing that 50% of respondents believe that emerging technologies play an integral role in organisations’ IT strategy. In response to the escalating prominence of emerging technologies, this report explores the key areas of investment among UK companies in 2023. Anticipating technology and software spending, 45% of surveyed UK participants plan a 10-20% increase compared to 2022 with an additional 17% intending to allocate an even higher budget.
- In 2023, 41% of UK respondents prioritise Cybersecurity and Marketing tools
- 70% adopted cybersecurity software before (39%) or since the pandemic for permanent use (31%)
- Other top tech priority purchases include IT Management software (40%), Supply Chain Management /ERP software (39%), Sales Management or CRM tools (36%), and Accounting or Finance software (31%)
