Firms which use the Internet for business often become ‘‘disillusioned’’ if it does not automatically generate income, new research has shown.
Many smaller firms failed to understand how a web site could boost their trading, said Mike Langston, managing director of BT’s Small and Medium Enterprises.
‘‘The fact that so many small and medium-sized firms have set up web sites is extremely encouraging.
‘‘However we are aware that following the initial Internet hype, there is growing disillusionment about just how much impact a web site can have on a business.’’
A survey for BT found that fewer than half of smaller firms believed the Internet would benefit their business in the next year.
BT has launched a programme aimed at helping firms move beyond a basic web site towards online trading.