Small businesses need to increase their online presence in order to increase profits, according to the latest research.

Forty-six percent of the UK’s smallest businesses are operating without a website and risking low visibility, the new study reveals.

Although 41% of these companies recognise the value of increasing their web presence, they say that they need help to create a website.

A further 47% of off-line companies believe a website would not benefit their business, however.

"Whilst many small companies today leverage the web with increasing proficiency, too many enterprises remain excluded,” said Oliver Mauss, CEO of 1&1 Internet Ltd, the company behind the survey.

“Every business owner should at least be aware that today a website is simple and affordable to source,” he continued. “Those sceptical of the benefits to their business have little to lose in experimenting and seeing the impact for themselves". 

Another survey of 152 similarly-sized firms with operational websites set up to promote their business suggests 80% of companies gain revenue from a business site.

Source: Startup UK