Online Trading - Can Businesses Afford Not to Have an Online Presence?

Todays marketplace demands that customers are in control -- whether its grocery shopping or managing finances - and that means businesses need to have an online presence. Norma Foster, general manager of n-e-life.com, the North East Regional Portal, looks at the business benefits of e-commerce and offers advice to regional businesses seeking to establish a 'bricks and clicks operation.

(PRWEB) December 25, 2004 -- Todays marketplace demands that customers are in control -- whether its grocery shopping or managing finances - and that means businesses need to have an online presence. Norma Foster, general manager of n-e-life.com, the North East Regional Portal, looks at the business benefits of e-commerce and offers advice to regional businesses seeking to establish a 'bricks and clicks operation.

Online trading, also known as e-commerce, has revolutionised the way in which business is conducted -- a revolution that continues at an unprecedented pace. Following the lead of large global conglomerates like Warner Bros, and national organisations like Marks and Spencer, many small businesses throughout the UK have started trading online to attract new customers, and to prevent the competition luring existing customers away.

According to a report by IMRG, the industry body for global e-retailing, UK online shopping jumped to an all-time high just before Christmas last year. The report estimated that during November 2003, UK Internet shoppers spent a massive 1.175 billion -- some 7% of all retail sales.

So how does a company establish an integrated 'bricks and clicks operation to compete for a slice of this lucrative pie?

A good way to establish a web presence is joining a 'virtual community within a respected portal. In the North East, n-e-life.com provides this vital service to local businesses. The n-e-life Shopping Mall (www.n-e-shopping.com) provides an infrastructure comprising online payments, marketing, and technical support providing a risk-free way to explore online trading benefits.

Once online, many businesses find the Internet dynamically changes the potential for new business growth. Websites showcase companies 24/7 encouraging wider viewing as well as extended trading hours.
In the UK alone, 57% of consumers are already online, and with the increasing maturity of UK Internet users, an e-commerce boom is inevitable.

Its anticipated that within a few years the vast majority of Internet users in the North East will transact online, boosted by the adoption of Broadband. So dont waste time wondering what the Internet can do to help your business - you risk being left behind. Instead, try the risk-free route, join a respected portal and take advantage of this new and exciting form of industry awareness.

For further information, call (0191) 487 2002 or visit www.n-e-life.com.

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