A new report from the Department of Trade and Industry indicates that small businesses in the UK are lagging behind larger companies in their take up and use of ecommerce.
More than three-quarters of retailers in the UK are adopting ebusiness technologies, according to the study.
However, while the study indicates that some of the regions larger companies are examples of global leaders in the application of ecommerce, the report found that smaller firms are not embracing ecommerce.
The report found that 23 percent of retailers, and 56 percent of micro firms working in the convenience store sector, have not considered the benefits that ecommerce has to offer.
On a positive note, the study found that 77 percent of companies in the UK are adopting ecommerce technologies, while 71 percent of businesses use external mail and 53 percent have an active website.
According to the report, business-to-business relations have improved, and this has been particularly successful in the management of the supply chain.
Ecommerce is also helping UK firms to improve the tracking and delivery of products, thereby creating a better after sales service.
Ecommerce divide between UK companies
Department of Trade and Industry