Small businesses in the UK ‘ride the wave' of internet usage, according to a new report.
Website and domain name firm, 1&1 Internet, believe small business website's provide a high return on investment as well as enjoy a healthy level of recognition from the public.
The report is based on a survey by the firm, which shows that 70 per cent of businesses experienced an increase in sales in the 12 months following the launch of their site.
Some 21 per cent of businesses surveyed reported that up to 10 per cent of new revenue gained during the period could be attributed to their website.
The figures will be encouraging for entrepreneurs thinking about venturing online, as figures suggest the implementation of website's improved growth, marketing and communications.
Andreas Gauger, CEO at 1&1 Internet, said: “It is highly encouraging to see UK SMEs receiving such a high return on investment from their website's,
“The research shows that website's are a highly effective and affordable method of communication for small businesses. This should encourage every UK small business to make their mark on the web”.
Proving that moving to the web doesn’t have to be costly, the majority of businesses spent less than £300 a year on creating and maintaining their site.
On a regional basis, a survey of consumers shows that 51 per cent of those located in London and the Midlands said they would be more likely to use the internet to track down small businesses as opposed to larger ones.
