Virgin Media Business has launched a free online digital learning resource for businesses which lack knowledge about the so called 'Digital Revolution'.
Called the Big Digital Skills Hub, the tool offers written advice, animated video tutorials, interactive quizzes and downloadable resources.
Fronted by Sir Richard Branson, the hub brings together some of the top industry experts to offer SMBs 15 tutorials on digital knowhow. Topics range from setting up and maximising a website, to social media and content marketing. The whole experience has been designed to work around a busy schedule.
The hub is designed to plug the skills gap between digital technology and the way British businesses are using it.
According to a survey commissioned by Virgin Media Business 48% of UK SMB don't use their website to find new customers, while 28% of SMBs don't currently have a website at all.
The research also found that 13% of the UK's SMBs currently have no plans to build a website and a third (35%) of SMBs admitted that they do not have the social media skills needed to grow their business.
Branson said: "We are living in an increasingly connected world and wherever we go access to the Internet is just a touch away through a smartphone or tablet.
"The way we do business has been transformed and trade online is growing at around 20% a year, so it's now not just a case of making the most of an opportunity for your business, it is crucial for business survival.
"At Virgin we have embraced new digital technologies and it has transformed the way we do business and how we engage with customers.
"Social media has proved to be one of the most effective ways of reaching our customers and there is much more data available for us to find out what our customers want and how best we can create new products and services to meet those needs.
"Taking advantage of the power of the Internet and digital technology has helped Virgin to create many of the great services we have today and put the needs of our customers at the heart of everything we do."
Mike Smith, Director of SMB Virgin Media Business, added: "We're in the midst of a technology revolution and digital has the potential to empower every SMB in the UK. Our research shows that the country's small and medium businesses are excited by this revolution but there is an alarming skills divide between those doing it well and those who are struggling to seize all the opportunities that digital can bring them.
"That's why we've launched The Big Digital Skills hub, but industry alone cannot drive the change that the UK needs. It's the duty of government to help every SMB in the UK cross this divide. This launch is part of our commitment to helping small businesses succeed in the digitally enabled world we live in. With the right tools and skills, SMBs can continue to drive the UK's competitive digital advantage."
Minister for Culture and the Digital Economy Ed Vaizey said: "Encouraging as many people as possible to get online and get the most out of the Internet is vitally important in the digital world we live in. Research shows that companies that embrace technology will grow faster, export and create more jobs.
"That's why Government has introduced funding for Broadband Connection Vouchers to improve Internet access for small and medium sized businesses. We are also working in partnership with digital charity Go On UK to make it easy for small firms to find the right support to help them improve their digital skills and do more business online."