A website can play several key roles in the development of a small firm, one expert has claimed.

John De Groot, managing director of Startup Co, explained that an online presence can offer small firms a boost in several sectors.

He said: "The answer is subject to whether the business sees a website as either a way of creating sales, in which case [it is] very important; providing information as an online business card, [which can be] useful, or increasing the profile or credibility of the business, which is very important."

Mr De Groot added that a website can host a wide selection of content to show off the company's good points.

These might include its past achievements, high-profile clients, partners or awards that the firm has won, he state.

Websites also allow SMEs owners to communicate their visions and opinions to customers directly, he concluded.

However, firms need to make sure that any data passed to them by people using their website is kept secure.

Last week, a spokesperson for Small Business Computing claimed that a data leak will cost a firm money and its reputation.

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