A significant number of small UK business are still not entirely comfortable with the internet, a new study has revealed.

Cranfield School of Management carried out the research on behalf of Pipex Business, which found that only 16 per cent of small business managers think the internet has improved the efficiency of their firm.

Despite this, most businesses surveyed use the internet with 97 per cent saying they use email, 94 per cent relying on broadband and a further 84 per cent maintaining a website, reports Techworld.

Professor Burke from the school, called the results a "startling discovery".

Earlier this year a tutor for the Institute of Direct Marketing, James A Matthewson, described the internet is a "shop window" for small businesses, highlighting its marketing advantages.

He explained that the internet can enable businesses to "build themselves [into] a national, if not global, brand".

Furthermore, the "cost-effective nature of email" allows small businesses to reach new customers without having to pay a great deal of money, he added.

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