More Sussex businesses than ever are using the internet as a business tool but there is still plenty of work to be done, according to Peter Jenkins, development director

of Southwick-based E-Advantage Solutions.

"The majority of small and medium-sized Sussex businesses have realised they must adapt or die. They see the internet as a real opportunity to win and retain customers, with factors such as cost-savings, time-savings and improved services for customers driving online promotion and trading forward."

A recent Mori survey has shown 75 per cent of small and medium-sized enterprises in the UK now have an online presence. More than half are selling online and embracing e-commerce.

This dramatic shift towards the net economy suggests smaller firms are far from the internet Luddites they are often portrayed.

Peter said: "At E-Advantage Solutions we welcome the survey but question how much it can be considered representative of businesses in our county. Is the figure of 75 per cent of businesses online accurate for Sussex?

"How many Sussex firms have web sites or are embracing e-commerce? From the companies we have met and talked to, and research of our own on the internet, we believe there are many businesses yet to realise their online potential.

"The Federation of Small Businesses has reported that only a handful of its members have web sites and the smallest businesses are still well behind in the adoption of internet technology.

"Nevertheless, we have seen a huge leap in the number of businesses embracing the internet compared to this time last year, when figures released by the Department of Trade and Industry showed only 15 per cent of businesses with ten employees or less had developing an online presence."

He claimed the key making small and medium-sized firms into profitable internet players was to raise awareness and increase confidence about trading on the net.

"We also have to find ways to overcome the two major hurdles facing firms wanting to get online - the hardy perennials of security and IT skills shortages."

The message was starting to get through that the internet was vital to modern business. But a lot more had to be done to truly compete at the top of internet economy.

Peter said: "As the Chinese proverb says: 'Even the longest journey starts with the first step'. Let's work together get Sussex businesses online now."

www.e-adv.co.uk