Sharp rise in ecommerce

New research from ecommerce software developer Actinic has revealed a 13 per cent rise in the number of companies planning to adopt ecommerce in the future and in the number of online traders planning further development of their sites (48 per cent).

The market appears to be entering a second wave of business internet adoption, according to the report, perhaps driven by the spread of broadband.

Says Actinic CEO, Chris Barling: “2005 may prove to be the year when ecommerce finally comes of age. But there is still a long way to go before the percentage of businesses trading online comes anywhere near the percentage of consumers who are shopping online.

“Many small businesses are missing out on a huge opportunity - and at a time when traditional retail is under increasing pressure.”