Small and medium-sized companies (SMEs) can access free advice on adopting digital technologies.

Help to Grow: Digital is part of the Government's Plan for Jobs. It includes discounts of up to £5,000 on software.

The scheme will support SMEs to use the latest digital technology to cut costs, save time, reach new customers and be more competitive.

In an introductory video, Rishi Sunak, the chancellor, said: "Whether you want to build customer relationships to increase sales, manage your accounts and finances digitally, or make the most of selling online, digital software can help you do that.

"And we know that businesses who adopt digital technologies can be up to 18 per cent more productive. However, we also know that over half of businesses who try to adopt new digital technologies are unsuccessful.

"Understanding the practical benefits of adopting digital software, and how to choose the right products and use them in a business, are some of the main barriers to successful digital technology investment. One in three small and medium-sized businesses also say costs are a significant barrier."

The new Help to Grow: Digital learning platform will provide free, impartial information and advice to help companies adopt the right technology for their business and staff.

It brings together guidance on how to choose and use digital software to grow a business - designed with input from industry leaders and independent experts.

Because costs are a significant barrier to businesses investing in digital software, discounts worth up to £5,000 are available to help companies buy the right productivity software.

Discounts will cover up to 50 per cent of the software cost and are available to help businesses purchase customer relationship management software and accountancy software.

Find out more about the scheme and eligibility for the discounts here.