UK SMEs behind on e-commerce

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One in three UK small businesses see e-commerce channels as a threat to their business, according to a new study.

While 78 per cent of UK small businesses sell products or services online, the UK still lags behind other European nations in its adoption of e-commerce. For example, far more small businesses in Italy have an e-commerce presence (94 per cent).

Only 59 per cent of UK small businesses see e-commerce channels as a business opportunity, compared with 72 per cent of small businesses across Europe, finds the Epson Business Council research of 1,250 company leaders across five European countries.

The Interactive Media in Retail Group predicts that the period between 28 November to 11 December will be particularly busy for online shopping this year and those small businesses which have invested in e-commerce could see a rise in sales.

Sara Murray, founder of Confused.com says, ‘While it is encouraging to see that most of the UK’s micro businesses are now involved in e-commerce in some way, it is concerning that so many still regard the area as a threat. In the midst of this busy shopping period, e-commerce should offer micro businesses an avenue for growth which they can’t afford to ignore.’

The findings come in the wake of a new initiative from the government to offer UK start-ups greater understanding of the web through the launch of Web Fuelled Business Initiative Seminars, a series of free e-commerce schemes for more than 3,500 firms to run from January to March next year.

Phil McCabe, senior policy adviser from the Forum of Private Business, comments, ‘Rather than seeing e-commerce simply as a threat, small business owners should investigate every opportunity to grow and promote their businesses through appropriate online channels – so we’re pleased to see the government is helping them to become more web-savvy.’

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