Startups backs study into online behaviour – with £1000 prize

How significant a role does the internet play in your business?

That is the question we are asking today as part of a study into the online engagement of Britain’s small businesses.

Startups and our sister site, Growing Business, have joined forces with Microsoft Small Business, TaxAssist Accountants, Huddlebuy, Business2012 and The Made Simple Group to encourage entrepreneurs across the country to take part in the research.

The findings will be presented at the Business2012 event in March, where they will be used to paint an up-to-date picture of how online-savvy British businesses really are – and where the barriers to entry for start-ups lie.

Entrepreneurs who complete the online survey will be entered into a prize draw for over £1,000 worth of business-friendly prizes. These include an iPad2, Kindle4, free business guides, two training courses for up to four people, a Huddlebuy marketing bundle worth £350, free accounting advice and £150 of M&S vouchers.

Howard Graham, CEO of The Made Simple Group, said: “Having an online presence offers organisations of all shapes and sizes the opportunity to market themselves effectively and grow a successful business. Having a website is now almost as ubiquitous as having a business card.

“Businesses need to ensure that they have an easy-to-find, user-friendly online presence to ensure that their products and services are showcased to consumers. As the old Chinese proverb says… ‘Fish where the fish are’.”

To complete the ‘How online savvy are British businesses?’ survey, visit the Companies Made Simple website