Lord Young is right on one front - the internet has changed the face of business forever. But two recent surveys, from Simply Business and the FSB, suggest that far from hopping over the digital fence, small firms are finding it difficult to make technology work for them.

In our annual TechSME Index, Simply Business found that one in five of the UK's small businesses lack basic IT knowledge. Of those, some 40 per cent say that this is hindering their ability to fulfil their business's potential.

This is reflected in a recent report from the Federation of Small Businesses, which found that one in four of the UK's small firms does not have its own website. Similarly, Simply Business found that more than a third do not use email.

The UK's small businesses are in limbo thanks to a widespread lack of basic digital training. Along with the continued difficulties faced by small businesses who need to access finance (difficulties that the government has singularly failed to assuage), this is one of the most significant obstacles facing the country's SMEs.

Lord Young is right to highlight the country's entrepreneurial spirit. But if the government really wants queues of successful new start-ups, it needs to offer free, accessible, high quality training in digital business.

Do you have questions about taking your business online?

We’ve gathered some of the most exciting figures in the small business community for a live online discussion about how businesses can make the most of the web. Panelists include founder of Enterprise Nation and Co-founder of StartUp Britain Emma Jones; Kevin Byrne, Managing Director of Checkatrade.com; and Kris Hewitt, founder of online coffee retailer eightpointnine.com.

We will be discussing tactics for promoting your business online, with customers increasingly using the web to find, discuss and review a range of products and services – from plumbing and party planning to landscaping and legal advice. If you’re not using it, your competitors will be!

Post your questions for the panel on our Google+ page or by emailing social@simplybusiness.co.uk, and tune in to watch on the 21st May.