Bernadette Wightman, from Cisco UK & Ireland, examines how 21st century start-up businesses are embracing modern technology.
Many will remember the trends of the late 80s and early 90s, where the most important investments for successful businesses were seen as company cars and salubrious offices. Stories abound about businesses investing in "experts", to check the feng shui of the office. All very well but not exactly key to drive productivity.
However, as we enter the 21st century, it appears that small to medium sized businesses have realised that these investments will not help them become leaders of their respective industries. Recent research indicates that there has been a marked shift in attitudes and that small businesses are now turning to technological solutions to help them become successful.
Technological solutions do not just mean telephones and Internet connection; these businesses are now looking to high-performance advanced technologies that have a major impact on business connectivity and competitiveness.
Join our social media discussion group and share your Twitter username with other BusinessZone members. 
We're putting together a list of business owners' must-haves. 
Dragons' Den judges James Caan and Deborah Meaden and social entrepreneur Karen Darby are some of the successful entrepreneurs who feature in our exclusive videos.