The internet is proving to be critical to the success of the
UK's SME population as research from Premierline Direct, the
business insurance specialists, shows that business owners are
relying on the great world wide web to help cut the cost of running
their company.
Consumer concerns over the credit crunch and rising fuel are
driving a 38 per cent surge in online spending this year, 51 per
cent of businesses said they use the internet because it gives them
more control over expenditure and believe it is more cost effective
than using more traditional methods to purchase goods or services,
such as insurance.
In addition, it seems more SMEs are turning to the internet as
part of their day to day operations to improve efficiency with 70
per cent of business owners reported to use it to reduce travel and
time spent out of the office, believing it makes them more
productive.
As small businesses become more online-focused to reflect
changes in consumer patterns, firms themselves are using the
internet more, with over half purchasing more online than they did
three years ago. And it's not just that company bosses are surfing
the net during working hours as 28 per cent prefer to use it before
9am or after 5.30pm.
Businesses are using the net for a variety of activities. Half
now pay their bills online and 72 per cent use it for managing
their finances. Purchasing online is popular among companies as 54
per cent buy IT equipment via the web, 43 per cent use it for
ordering stationery and over a third for booking travel.
Chris Little, managing director of Premierline Direct, said:
"The growth of the internet has really made products and services
more accessible to business owners and is an ideal tool for
companies looking to make time and cost savings by shopping around
for the best deals, whilst also benefiting from the speed and
simplicity the online channel offers" Premierline Direct, part of
the Allianz Group, provides cover to a wide range of industries
from shops and offices to hotels and manufacturing, tailoring its
insurance packages to meet the diverse needs of each business. In
addition to helping business owners find the right level of cover,
Premierline Direct offers its customers a benefits programme, which
includes an extensive choice of discounts and deals from over 50
nationwide suppliers, including Apple Store, Nationwide
Autocentres, Npower, Esso and HP, helping businesses to make
savings on the cost of running their company.
