Bridging the Smart Home Skills Gap: Why Britain Lags Behind Europe

Thomas Kruse of reichelt elektronik

For smart homes to truly take off, we need to get smarter. Analysts and experts note that the reality of living in highly connected homes has not yet materialised as quickly as predicted. Yet this delay is not due to a lack of enthusiasm or hype, but rather a skills gap, says Thomas Kruse, product manager for network technologies at reichelt elektronik.

The surge in interest in cutting‑edge home tech is evident with platforms such as Amazon Alexa, Google Home and Microsoft Cortana. Reichelt’s research shows that over half of British households already use, or would consider using, voice‑controlled connected devices at home, with 6 % actively using them today.

Current Applications of Smart‑Home Technology

• Heating and lighting – 15 %
• Alarms and camera surveillance – 13 %
• Kitchen and household appliances – 10 %

When it comes to voice‑controlled automation, 74 % of users prioritise remote or automatic control of heating and lighting, followed by camera and alarm systems at 48 % and kitchen appliances at 40 %.

Bridging the Consumer Barrier

Despite growing interest, 71 % of Brits currently use no smart technology in their homes. The main obstacle? 55 % of adults admit they do not know how to install these devices and would need professional assistance. This highlights a significant knowledge and skills gap in IoT installation.

Tech giants and IoT vendors must prioritise ease of deployment before a true surge in adoption can occur. As the technology evolves at a rapid pace, future homes will increasingly be built with smart infrastructure pre‑installed.

Privacy concerns also play a key role. Millennials – the generation most comfortable with digital devices – are increasingly wary of data protection. While they use multiple devices daily, 37 % avoid smart‑home tech altogether, and 67 % cite data‑protection worries as the main reason; 28 % feel strongly opposed. High‑profile data breaches have amplified these concerns.

Home‑First, Not Mobile‑First

Although smartphones dominate everyday digital interactions – a recent ONS study shows how often we browse, shop, and communicate online – voice assistants on mobile devices lag behind their home counterparts. Only 29 % of UK adults use a smartphone voice assistant at least every other day, while 60 % never use one or lack a device with the feature.

European Comparison

Enthusiasm for smart homes is strong across Europe. Reichelt’s survey found 70 % of Germans and 63 % of French respondents as receptive as Brits.

However, the confidence to install systems varies. In Germany, 49 % of respondents say they can install a smart‑home system independently, rising to 60 % among men. In France, 16 % claim they can design and install a system, with another 50 % open to doing so. 21 % of French respondents use a voice assistant every other day.

Smart‑home technology is more than a trend; the data suggest a clear path toward widespread adoption. Yet the technology for easy installation and user education must catch up.

By aligning product design with user‑friendly installation and affordability, tech companies can seize the current enthusiasm for heating, security, and appliances, staying ahead of competitors and preventing the UK from falling behind its European neighbours.

Author: Thomas Kruse, Product Manager – Network Technologies, reichelt elektronik