Small firms looking to expand could benefit from an increased online presence, a new study shows.
According to research by Mintel, consumers in the UK spend more money on products and services through the internet than in any other European country, meaning that SMEs could benefit from an improved website or email marketing campaign.
The report found that UK online sales grew by 75 per cent between 2005 and 2007, with sales totalling around £12.8 billion last year.
The second largest market was Germany, with sales of around £9.24 billion.
Richard Perks, the retail research director at Mintel, said: "The UK has by far and away the most developed online market in Europe."
He added that one of the main drivers behind the figures is the "sophisticated online offering" of many of the UK's retailers.
A recent study by eMarketer also suggested that web-based advertising could help small firms expand.
It found that the total spending on online advertising rose by over 30 per cent last year.
