'Online businesses can be personal'

3rd December 2007

Operating a business online can be cost-effective and personal, according to one expert.

Adam Wayland, editor of advisory site smallbusiness.co.uk, explained that an internet business will not only have lower overheads but can also be accessed by a much wider market than a high street-based company.

"Some people would argue that just being online lacks a personal approach but there are ways around that," he said. "You can still have an interactive aspect to your site and use forums."

Websites do not have to be seen as barriers in communication as businesses can still have direct contact with customers, he continued.

According to financial comparison and switching service uSwitch.com, online sales currently make up 16 per cent of total retail spending, an increase of two per cent from 2002.

The company estimates that this figure will increase to 40 per cent by 2020, with revenues of around £162 billion a year.