Why Every SME Needs a Digital Champion

In many small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), digital change happens piecemeal, a new tool here, a security fix there, maybe someone sets up a shared drive after a scare. The result is often a patchwork of systems, duplicated work, and untapped opportunities.

That’s where a Digital Champion comes in.

What Is a Digital Champion?

A Digital Champion is a member of your team who takes the lead in driving digital adoption and improvement across your business.

They don’t need to be a full-time IT expert. In fact, some of the best digital champions are operational or administrative staff who understand how the business actually works day to day.

Their role is to:

Identify where digital tools can improve efficiency, security, and collaboration.
Coordinate between departments to make sure systems are used consistently.
Champion best practices, such as good file management, cybersecurity hygiene, and smarter workflows.

Keep an eye on new opportunities, from grant funding to automation tools, that the business might benefit from.

Why It Matters

Digital consistency

Without a central figure, digital adoption tends to be uneven. Some teams run efficiently on shared drives and project tools, others cling to email attachments and spreadsheets. A digital champion ensures consistent practices across the business.

Improved productivity

They can spot inefficiencies, duplicate data entry, lost files, unused software features, and help resolve them systematically.

Stronger security

Cybersecurity gaps often arise not from malice, but from inconsistency. A digital champion can ensure MFA is enforced, backups are tested, and permissions are managed properly.

Future-readiness

As grants, funding, and tender requirements increasingly expect SMEs to demonstrate digital maturity, having someone actively leading this gives your business a competitive edge.

Who Should Be Your Digital Champion?

Look for someone who is:

Respected across the organisation (people listen to them)
Curious about new tools and how to make things work better
Organised, with the ability to document and follow through
Good communicators, able to bridge IT and non-technical teams

They don’t need to know everything. What matters is that they’re empowered and supported.

How to Empower Them

Give them a clear remit: e.g. “Lead digital improvements and champion good practices across departments.”
Make time for the role: It doesn’t have to be full-time, but they need space to act.
Support with training: Short courses, webinars, or peer groups can keep them up to date.
Back them visibly: Leadership support makes their role credible.

The Bottom Line

Appointing a digital champion is one of the simplest, lowest-cost ways to accelerate digital maturity inside an SME. Rather than relying on ad hoc initiatives, you create a clear point of ownership, someone who can spot issues early, coordinate improvements, and keep the business moving forward.

In a fast-changing digital landscape, that’s not just helpful, it’s essential.