Small Business Missing The Mark Online
Released
on: January 27, 2010, 10:12 am
Author:
Business Link London
Industry:
Small Business
London’s small to medium-sized businesses (SMEs) are not
reaching their full online potential – and many have no web presence at
all, according to a recent poll by Business Link in London.
Almost half (45.4%) of the 500 London entrepreneurs polled admit that they do not
have a business website, with the majority (62.6%) stating that their business does
not need one. The manufacturing industry topped the list of businesses without a
website. However, over half (53.3%) the retail, catering and leisure businesses
participating also lack websites.
Tony Cattermole, Business Adviser from Business Link in London says: “The results
prove that there is a digital divide among London’s SMEs - those that embrace the
Internet as an important component of their business and those that think they can
do without. That mindset could hamper their road to recovery. Websites are a
cost-effective way of generating sales, reaching customers and launching new
products and services.
“A client of mine runs a car garage in London. He didn’t think a website was
necessary, despite needing to increase sales and reach new customers. However, upon
my advice, a quick search on the Internet made him realise that no garages in his
area had an online presence – giving him the potential to capture 100% of the online
market. Going online has become second nature to many customers which is why small
businesses are potentially missing out.
“Having a website so customers can find you is the first step, but many businesses
can also benefit from selling online.”
Research from Google shows that online sales account for 17p of every pound spent in
the UK. Google also reports that online retail sales grew 14% over the last.
According to the Business Link in London poll, women entrepreneurs are leading the
way for those that do have websites, in comparison to their male counterparts (58.2%
vs. 50%) and this is a trend that has accelerated in the last two years.
However, even SMEs that have an online presence may not be reaching their full
potential. Many of these businesses are admitting that increasing sales and
promoting goods and services are not key priorities for them. 50% of the business
owners had used a professional to create their website and almost half (46.6%) do
not plan on making any changes to their website.
“Websites should not be static – they need to constantly evolve to reflect changes
in customers’ needs, the economy and business competitors. The ultimate goal is to
meet the ever changing needs of your customers”, adds Mr Cattermole.
Business Link in London is urging any small business to come to us for advice and business support, whether they need to start from scratch or make their
website more effective. We are a free and impartial business advisory service
providing support to small businesses in London through our online guides and
toolkits, Business Advisers, workshops and seminars.
For further information on how Business Link in London can help you call 0845 6000
787 or visit: www.businesslink.gov.uk/london
Contact Details: Jessica Singh – Senior PR & Communications Executive
T: 0207 111 0372
E: jessica.singh@bllondon.co.uk
2012
