Why all the Panic?

In their enthusiasm to get on-line many small firms are spending far more on their websites than they should. Are they victims of the growing number of Internet companies that offer bad advice and charge exorbitant fees?

Internet business booms.

Few doubt the importance of the Internet. Last year over 23 million adults shopped on-line spending almost £5 billion in the run up to Christmas.

With a 36% growth forecast for 2006 the UK will see on-line sales this year reaching £26 billion. Over 50,000 homes are signing up to broadband each week and 70% of the adult population now access the Internet at home or at work.

Time to panic?

Should the 40% of small firms without a website begin to panic? Compare the £650 million spent on-line during the best ever week of Internet trading, to the 2005 December retail average of £6 billion.

Consider too, that at least half of on-line transactions are financial products. Don't panic and splash out on a glitzy website expecting quick returns. The Internet is a crowded marketplace and competition is fierce.

Don't Panic - Take your time!