Over half of UK consumers (53%) would walk away from any business that does not have a website, according to a survey released today. 

The research, commissioned by 1&1 Internet, a web hosting and domain name registration company, also found that 1 in 5 small businesses still do not recognise the importance consumers place upon a web presence. There was also huge confusion within businesses over the cost and time needed to create a website.

Research carried out by Tickbox.Net (1) identified that in addition to the 53% of consumers who would walk away from a business with no web presence, even more of Britain's 3.7 million SMEs could be losing sales if they have a poor quality website. A further survey, conducted by Coleman Parkes Research (2), reveals that despite these overwhelming figures, 1 in 5 UK SMEs do not recognise the importance the public places upon a web presence, and a further 1 in 5 businesses do not believe that a substandard website could have any negative effect on sales.

Andreas Gauger, CEO 1&1 Internet, said "It is clear that consumers nowadays expect every business to have a professional web presence and are turned-off by second-rate websites, yet clearly many SMEs are confused over the importance of the issue.  If businesses want to maximise sales, they must be online with a website that gives the right impression."