New research has revealed small businesses in Essex are failing to realise the benefits of e-commerce.
The survey by Parcelforce Worldwide (PFW) covered small businesses from the Essex, Suffolk and Norfolk areas.
All the companies questioned have websites and export, but the results showed more than three-quarters (77 per cent) do not have an e-commerce infrastructure support.
The survey revealed that although 82 per cent are using websites as a marketing tool, many small businesses were failing to turn sales leads into business. Only 23 per cent use websites to conduct e-commerce and process orders online.
The results showed that although 57 per cent used websites to develop export markets, only 17 per cent process and handle orders online.
"The results show that many small and medium firms are failing to cash-in on the business benefits of e-commerce because they do not have the necessary infrastructure in place to support their website," explained Chris Kalla-Bishop, commercial director, Parcelforce Worldwide.
Published Wednesday, February 20, 2002
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