Small firms 'more web-savvy than ever'

20.02.2012

Small businesses are cashing in on the world of opportunities offered by the web, with 47% making more than half their sales online, research shows. More web-savvy than ever, small businesses are turning to the internet to boost their sales and spread awareness of their brands. Whereas in January last year just 18% claimed to sell online exclusively, that figure jumped to 26% in January 2012. And while 37% claimed to make more than half their sales online in January 2011, that figure stood at 47% last month. The findings came to light in figures from the annual PeoplePerHour.com Small Business Survey. "The move to eCommerce won't be news to the majority of observers of the UK small business sector," commented PeoplePerHour founder and CEO Xenios Thrasyvoulou. "What will come as a surprise, however, is the pace with which the UK small business community is embracing the opportunities offered by the internet." Some 1,300 small businesses took part in the survey. Copyright Press Association 2012