UK e-commerce in rude health

The value of UK business conducted online doubled in 2003, according to figures released today by the Office of National Statistics (ONS).

In its fourth annual survey of 12,000 firms conducting online commerce, the ONS reported sales of £39.9bn in the UK, more than double the previous year's total. Of this, £11.4bn was spent by households, up from £6.4bn in 2002.

"The rise compared to a rise of just 25 per cent of businesses reporting that they sell online," said the report. "This suggests that, in addition to more businesses selling online in 2003, businesses are also selling more."

Sales of products still dominates the market, making up two thirds of the 2003 figure. Manufacturing, catering, retail and travel accounted for 93 per cent of this figure.

According to the study it is still large companies doing the most online purchasing. Companies with over 1,000 employees spent £31 per £100 spent online, with companies employing fewer than 10 people spending just £14 per £100.

The full report, entitled Value of e-trading by non-financial sector UK businesses, is available as a PDF here