The internet can offer many benefits to small businesses, according to one expert.
Marc Shoffman, a spokesperson for the Federation of Small Businesses, (FSB), explained that the innovation allows small firms to get started and also keep consumers and journalists informed of their activities.
As well as this, the internet offers companies a way to cut expenditure.
He said: "With the economic downturn, using the internet is a cost effective way of diversifying a business and finding different markets as well as keeping costs down."
Firms are now sourcing products using online auction sites such as eBay, Mr Shoffman added.
Technology can also allow organisations in some sectors to do away with a "shop front" altogether and enable them to maintain a virtual presence, he pointed out.
Recent search from Choregus found that 40 per cent of firms who use a virtual office system are in the banking and finance field.
