A NEW survey reveals that North-west businesses are warming to the e-commerce revolution.
An increasing number of small companies now use the Internet and e-mail as an integral part of their everyday business transactions.
The survey, carried out by red-box, was supported by the North West Development Agency, Manchester City Council and Government Office North West.
Findings included:
Eighty per cent of respondents now have computers (up around 10 per cent on the 1997 survey).
Around 38 per cent have a website (up considerably from 9 per cent in 1997) and they are using it predominantly as a marketing medium and to establish an on-line presence.
Internet and e-mail usage has increased significantly in the majority of companies.
Mr Ian Corden, ICT & New Media Sector Director, NWDA, said: "The survey provides some interesting information building on the survey undertaken in 1997.
"Internet and e-commerce usage has increased, as has awareness and use of business support with improved levels of understanding.
"There are still, however, a number of barriers that need to be overcome for the North-west to be No 1 region of e-commerce excellence."
He added: "E-commerce needs to be seen as a tool to do more business more effectively."
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