Welsh Businesses Lacking Web Visibility
A recent survey has found that small and medium size businesses based in Wales have worryingly low web visibility when compared with their English and European counterparts. The statistics suggest that a quarter of Welsh companies have no webhosting whatsoever, while only slightly more than half responded that they had a satisfactorily developed online presence and profile.
Some experts have speculated that these startling figures will correct themselves as access to broadband internet becomes more widely available to Welsh consumers. Relative to internet access per capita and general knowledge of computers, the statistics concerning Welsh small businesses were largely in proportion to those elsewhere in the United Kingdom.
The survey coordinator offered some valuable insight as to how the lack of online presence might affect economic recovery in Wales: "It is more surprising when you look at the growth we are seeing in small- and medium-businesses that do have an active internet presence. We would encourage all Welsh businesses to get online and make the most of the medium."
In a separate survey, the report authors found that revenue generated from ecommerce and online business development in the whole of the United Kingdom was in excess of £100 billion during the 2009 calendar year, with cheap web hosting allowing for the creation of hundreds of thousands of United Kingdom websites. That amount far outstrips what is spent on alcohol, surpassing figures for the construction and transportation industries during the same period of time and accounting for some seven percent of the nation's gross domestic product.
Following the results of the survey, the Welsh Assembly has announced public funding for those currently living outside areas where broadband is currently available. Individuals have been encouraged to lobby various providers directly, with backing from the Welsh government, pursuing personal and economic betterment through increased access to information.
Karen Streatham is a busy stay-at-home mum with two bright young boys, ages 3 and 4. When she isn't running after the men in her family, she likes sharing tips on cooking, gardening, parenting and being a tech-savvy mum from Suffolk. Also, posting pictures and sharing stories about her wonderful children.
