UK technology SMEs get European voice

UK Technology SMEs now have direct representation in Brussels, thanks to a new industry association.

The Pan European ICT and eBusiness Network for SMEs (PIN-SME) is the first body to represent smaller technology businesses in the EU.

PIN-SME is made up of national federations and ICT clusters from 8 EU countries. The UK is represented by the UK IT Association (UKita), the national trade association for technology SMEs.

"The creation of a Europe-wide network representing the needs of technology SMEs is a huge step forward for the industry," said Fred Noble, chairman of Ukita.

"We believe that European SMEs must speak with one voice on the development of European ICT policies," he said.

PIN-SME will focus on gaining consensus over issues such as IT standardisation, software patents, e-invoicing, e-health and e-skills.

The organisation represents more than 50,000 enterprises employing around 200,000 people from EU countries including the UK, France, Germany, Italy, Spain and Austria.