Research shows that people are increasingly ready to buy goods and services from a website.  Online sales doubled for UK businesses' from 2002 to 2003, reaching £40 billion.  According to a survey of 1,500 consumers, small businesses stand a better chance of attracting customers if they have a website and almost 76% of these search the Internet first when trying to find a business. 

Research carried out by the Better Payment Practice Group in December 2004 found that 4 in 5 companies now take payment by electronic transfer, and that two-thirds of firms said this had reduced late payment.  A survey of eGovernment sevices, carried out for the European Commission, has found that businesses are saving an average of one hour by carrying out transactions like income tax and VAT declarations online.

The top four reasons small businesses are getting online are:

Any business which supplies the public sector must soon be able to trade online.

Bristol businesses, particularly those who are or wish to be suppliers of Bristol City Council, are encouraged to get involved in the Bristol e-business project.  Led by Bristol City Council, with support from Business West, Learndirect and @ UK Plc, this project is helping even the smallest business take the first steps towards online trading. 

If you would like more information on the project, contact Bristol City Council's Kickstart Team. 

Do you need funding to develop your website?  Claim up to £500 worth of website development funding from IT@Work Online.  It needs to be match funded and is available to small and medium businesses who wish to develop their website so that they can trade on-line.  Applications for funding can be downloaded from the Business West website or call 01275 373373.  See flyer for further information.