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."