Partner Article

'Get online for profit', firms told

Nearly two thirds of small retail businesses are still operating without an online presence, it has been revealed.

New research suggests as much as £235m in revenue is being lost as a result of small businesses’ lack of online presence.

While small retailers are the worst offenders, some 46% of small service businesses are also still operating without a website, the findings by Mr Site and PayPal found.

An average turnover increase of 37% can be achieved from having an online presence, according to the report.

Among businesses that do have an internet presence, 56% said their overall turnover had increased since going online.

The study suggested a fear of the potential set up costs involved in creating a website may be the biggest factor holding many small businesses back.

Cameron McLean, PayPal’s general manager for UK merchant services, said: “We know that consumers are looking to the internet more and more in the current climate, to search out bargains and fully research which businesses they are going to use.

“Online sales are bucking the high-street street trend and businesses should establish their online presence before they are left behind. Not having a website is like leaving your shop-front boarded up or refusing to tell customers anything about the services you provide.”

The research revealed London-based small businesses are the most likely to have a website – 70% are already online. Small businesses in the North East are least likely with only a third having some form of online presence.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Ruth Mitchell .