Small businesses urged to use the internet to boost sales

The Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) is calling on small firms to boost their sales levels by engaging customers via the internet.

The call follows recent research conducted by the business group, which suggests that as many as one in four small businesses in the UK does not have a website, leaving them at risk of being uncompetitive.

Meanwhile, only a third of firms use their website as a tool for making sales.

The FSB describes this as a ‘missed opportunity’ for small firms to attract new customers, boost sales and increase the number of jobs on the high street.

Mike Cherry, FSB National Policy Chairman, commented, ‘Once the high street starts to go into decline it can be difficult to revive. But with the right measures from councils and local authorities the tide can be turned’.

‘We want to see small firms maximise the opportunities that technology presents, so they can be competitive and grow their business and have a positive impact on the communities they rely on for business’.