SMBs move more activity online to beat high street slowdown

Small and medium-sized businesses across the UK are predicting significant e-commerce growth this year, as customers increasingly buy on the digital hight street. 85% of SMBs questioned in an independent survey say they are anticipating an increase in their online activities in 2008.

The poll, carried out by Loudhouse Research on behalf of business ISP Star Technology Services Ltd., also indicates that while SMBs have been slow to adopt Web 2.0 technologies, 2008 is seen as a breakthrough year for adoption of these new technologies.

Ben White, CEO of Star Technologies explains, "The digital high street is now a reality, and presents an opportunity for SMBs to compete on a level playing field with larger 'big-brand' competitors. With the economic stock outlook uncertain for 2008, the Internet represents a viable lower-cost way to increase reach and drive sales activity.

"As the web becomes a larger sales channel for SMBs, it is vital that they have the right infrastruture to support their online activities. Their hosting provider, data security and technical support all become a critical part of business success - and SMBs need to choose a partner dedicated to their online business success if they are to maximise the opportunity."

For more details about the IT Growing Pains survey please contact Lyndon Johnson or Natalie Benjamin at Octopus Communications on star@octopuscomms.net or 0845 3700 655.