County Press publisher Newsquest has launched a new service creating websites for small businesses.

Although small businesses make up 99.3 per cent of all private sector enterprises in the UK, almost a third do not have a website.

Almost half say they do not have a website that is mobile responsive, and 47 per cent say they cannot update their sites because of a lack of time and of technical skills.

That is despite the fact 46 per cent of customers say a website is the biggest factor determining whether they trust a company.

Alan Marriott, publisher of the County Press, and Simone Rose, head of sales, said, “Nine out of ten adults use the internet in the UK and most of them will have purchased something or contacted a company in the past 12 months.

“By not having a website or one that is fit for purpose, you are missing out.

“We know 30 per cent of consumers won’t consider a business which does not have a website and 39 per cent of people will stop engaging with a site if images don’t load or take too long to load.

“As a trusted media brand that has been in business over 100 years, we have the expertise and tools to support local business in marketing their products and brands online.”

Research suggests many small business owners are “time poor” because they are busy running their businesses. A large proportion are not technical. Many do not want to spend thousands of pounds at one time on a site — so an up-front fee and an ongoing monthly cost is more attractive.

Newsquest’s website services will offer small businesses a single point of contact and the reassurance of dealing with a trusted brand.

Research suggests the service will prove a return on investment if it attracts as few as three new customers for an electrician, four for an auto repair shop or five for an optician or dentist.

To find out more, contact Ian Stevens at the County Press on 01983 259015.