Microsoft launches free one-on-one consultation service for small businesses to help them with their tech needs

A new, free one-to-one service that helps small organisations understand their technology needs and their best options for devices and software has been launched by Microsoft.

The Business Consultation service is run by product experts at the Microsoft Experience Centre in London (above).

Small organisations in the UK can visit the Business Consultation webpage and book a one-on-one appointment to connect online with a product expert through video, chat or audio call, who will listen to their needs, answer questions and provide personalised solutions. They can also have an in-person consultation at the Microsoft Experience Centre during opening hours, without having to book an appointment.

After finding the right business solutions, Microsoft will help the organisation through every step of the setup and deployment process.

Research from Microsoft and the Boston Consulting Group found that businesses with one to 25 employees needed help with reaching new audiences, taking their business online, basic IT needs and upskilling. The study also revealed that around 40% of business with one to 25 employees cite challenges in selecting digital solutions, 73% prefer human assistance when choosing products, and value post-purchase support.

The Business Consultation service addresses all these issues, providing helpful experts who can offer tailored solutions to solve real business problems.

Microsoft has partnered with InSignLanguage to provide British Sign Language interpreters for these consultations in Microsoft Teams, while captions can also be turned on during the conversation. British Sign Language is the preferred language for more than 87,000 Deaf people in the UK, for whom English may be a second or third language.

Joy Attuh, Senior Hub Manager at Microsoft UK, said: “We recognise that organisations across the UK may need more personalised support as we emerge from the COVID-19 pandemic and ways of working change. The free Business Consultation service can help with digital transformation plans by deploying cloud-based technology tools and services such as Microsoft 365 and Dynamics to empower employees and unlock growth. Microsoft will be there every step of the way to answer questions and guide customers to find the solutions they need.”

Consultations are available between 9am and 6pm, Monday to Friday, and last up to an hour but follow-up calls can be booked with the same product expert. You can create a reservation on behalf of someone else but the account holder must be 18 years or older and be on the consultation call in order to continue with the reservation.

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Click here to learn more about online business consultations