16 October 2007, 19:03 PM

  • Half of small businesses that want an online shop haven't got one - because they think there are too many obstacles to negotiate, says a survey by Amenworld.com.

Lack of technical knowledge, finding the right product to set up the shop and the time it takes to establish and maintain it, were seen as the main barriers. Just 11% said they saw no obstacles to setting up an e-shop.

A spokesman said, “The internet is the only place where small businesses can compete with global organisations. The value of internet sales is set to double in the next five years, but too many businesses are put off selling online by the perceived complexity and expense of online shops.”