Small businesses 'disillusioned' by internet

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.