10 February 2006

The image of thrusting executives having pockets bulging with hi-tech gadgets to manage a hectic work schedule is a myth, according to new research that we have conducted.

Only one in seven managers (14%) use a personal digital assistant (PDA) like a Blackberry and over three quarters of UK bosses (76%) admit they don't fully exploit the internet for business. Most managers would rather use a traditional filofax, pen and paper. 

The research also highlighted a lukewarm response to the Government's home computing initiative which allows employers tax breaks and employees technology perks. Only 5% of those quizzed said they had used the scheme.

Ladislav Hornan, managing partner at our London office, said:

"The myth of busy execs running around with PDA's barking orders into their mobile phones is exactly that. It seems today's execs are happier without the gadgets."

"On a more serious note it is rather worrying that SME's recognise that there are e-commerce opportunities available but they are not able to exploit them. The failure of the Government's home computing initiative proves that not enough is being done to educate SME's of the benefits of technology."

Some professionals can't do without their gadgets. Danny Schweiger, 31, is the managing director of Wilmslow-based Character World, a company that produces children's textiles for brands including Spider-Man, Thomas the Tank Engine and Barbie:

"I simply can't live without my gadgets. My Blackberry is essential. I can keep in contact all over the world wherever I am. My job involves a lot of travelling and attending trade fairs all over the world. My clients need to know that wherever I am - New York, London, Sydney they can track me down."

Peter Davies, 28, a PR director from Altrincham, Cheshire said he prefers the pen and paper approach:

"I tried using a PDA but it was too fiddly in meetings. It seemed to take longer to organise meetings and lunches than my old filofax."

Ladislav Hornan