The help to grow: digital scheme is being scrapped following a lower uptake than expected, according to the department for business, energy and industrial strategy (BEIS).

Businesses with fewer than 250 employees now have less than two months to apply for the scheme before it closes on 2 February 2023.

The programme helped small businesses to grow by providing free and impartial advice on how technology can benefit their business, and offering discounts worth up to £5,000 to cover up to half the costs of approved software.

Eligible programmes included customer relationship management systems, ecommerce and cloud accounting software.

Businesses applying for the scheme between now and February will need to redeem vouchers within 30 days of the issue date.

Despite a marketing campaign, expanded eligibility and positive feedback from users of the scheme, less than 1,000 vouchers have been issued since the scheme was introduced in January this year.

The Government says that it "cannot justify" the scheme's continued cost to the taxpayer:

"This decision has been taken to refocus efforts towards other support mechanisms for small businesses, ensuring businesses get the backing they need in the most efficient and productive way possible."

Talk to us about your business costs.