UK micro businesses lag behind their European counterparts in their use of ecommerce, a new study has found.

For only 59% of UK businesses employing 10 people or less see ecommerce as a business opportunity, compared to 72% of European businesses of the same size, Epson Business Council research carried out by Coleman Parkes found.

While 94% of Italian microbusinesses sell products or services online, only 78% of UK businesses do so, the study, which surveyed 1,250 businesses across five European countries, found.

And the study found many businesses yet to be convinced by social media Some 60% of UK businesses had a Twitter profile, while 31% had a Facebook page, but 42% had no idea where to start on social media. Only 25% felt that social media had helped to level the playing field, giving them the same opportunities as larger firms.

Sara Murray, founder of Confused.com and personal emergency response service Buddi and a member of the Epson Business Council, said: “While it is encouraging to see that most of the UK’s micro businesses are now involved in e-commerce in some way, it is concerning that so many still regard the area as a threat.

“Understanding how to harness social media, combined with the increasing popularity of e-commerce, should offer micro businesses an avenue for growth which they can’t afford to ignore.”

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