Over 60% Of UK Businesses Are Online

66% of UK businesses have access to the internet and a further 7% plan to go online within the next year, according to Continental Research’s E-Commerce report for April 2002.

The report shows that the growing number of companies accessing the internet is stimulating the e-commerce market, with 38% of UK businesses already running a website and a further 14% planning to launch one within the next twelve months.

According to the report, nearly half a million British companies currently offer some kind of e-commerce service, with a third of businesses equipped to take online enquiries. More proactive internet related activities such as taking orders via the web were also found to be becoming more popular, suggesting that “the full potential of e-commerce” could soon be realised.

Colin Shaddick, director at Continental Research, said: “Looking to the future the biggest growth areas are likely to be companies ordering raw materials and goods online, as well as banking. Many suppliers such as banks, are increasing their online services to customers and are actively encouraging usage. It will be interesting to see how this further stimulates online uptake and usage amongst UK businesses.”

The report also shows that the uptake of email has “revolutionised” the way that companies communicate, with 96% of larger companies and 40% of smaller companies using post, telephone and fax less than in the past.

Continental Research:020 7490 5944 www.continentalresearch.com

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