14.5 C
Manchester
Wednesday, July 16, 2025
Featured Businesses56% of North West businesses expected to invest in their eCommerce capabilities...

56% of North West businesses expected to invest in their eCommerce capabilities in 2021 with 88% confident of growth

56% of North West businesses are expected to invest in their eCommerce capabilities over the next 12 months according to a recent survey by Digitl, the Manchester based web design and marketplace agency.

Digitl approached 250 businesses to better understand how firms have used eCommerce to weather the pandemic and how their use of it may change as things begin to get back to normal. Contributors included companies primarily operating in the retail, property, tech and professional service sectors.

78% of all respondents had increased their use of eCommerce since the start of the COVID-19 crisis. Whilst 55% of retailers had used external marketplaces for the first time to drive sales with over 80% of them choosing Amazon – mainly because of its profile and reach. 75% confirmed that the decision to use an external marketplace had played a considerable factor in helping them survive 2020.

48% of all service-based businesses had also ramped up their ability to provide online transactions with law and accountancy firms leading the way.

In terms of business confidence, 88% of firms believed that they would see growth in 2021 with most citing average upturns of around 15-25%. However, there is still caution with an effective vaccine rollout and the easing of lockdown restrictions by early Spring being key factors.

Darren Ratcliffe – founder of Digitl– said: “2020 was an unprecedented year, and despite Primark announcing that it won’t be starting online sales despite losing £100m a month, this survey shows that many North West businesses thought on their feet, adapted and realised why investing in eCommerce.  Whether that’s product or service related – is key if they want to not just survive COVID but thrive after it. Now more than ever, giving customers the ability to access the products you offer in as simple a way as possible needs to be central to every business’ strategy.”

Latest

Birmingham 2027 Invictus Games Opens Opportunities for West Midlands SMEs

SMEs throughout the West Midlands are being offered a chance to contribute to one of the world’s most moving sporting events—the 11th Invictus Games,...

HSAT Leads the Way with 95%+ Precision in Cocoa Production Forecasts

HSAT has unveiled a technological breakthrough in predicting cocoa yields, consistently delivering accuracy levels above 95%. This progress positions HSAT’s CropGPT as the global benchmark...

Microsoft MVP Awarded to Jamie Taylor for the Fourth Consecutive Year

RJJ Software is proud to share that Jamie Taylor, its Principal Consultant and founder, has once again been named a Microsoft MVP (Most Valuable...

Your Help Hub Extends Handyman Services Nationwide Amid Surging UK Demand

Your Help Hub, a fast-growing name in home maintenance and improvement, has launched its handyman services nationwide to better serve the needs of customers...
Subscribe to our newsletter
Business Manchester will use the information you provide on this form to be in touch with you and to provide updates and marketing.
Don't miss

Your Help Hub Extends Handyman Services Nationwide Amid Surging UK Demand

Your Help Hub, a fast-growing name in home maintenance and improvement, has launched its handyman services nationwide to better serve the needs of customers...

Birmingham 2027 Invictus Games Opens Opportunities for West Midlands SMEs

SMEs throughout the West Midlands are being offered a chance to contribute to one of the world’s most moving sporting events—the 11th Invictus Games,...

HSAT Leads the Way with 95%+ Precision in Cocoa Production Forecasts

HSAT has unveiled a technological breakthrough in predicting cocoa yields, consistently delivering accuracy levels above 95%. This progress positions HSAT’s CropGPT as the global benchmark...

Microsoft MVP Awarded to Jamie Taylor for the Fourth Consecutive Year

RJJ Software is proud to share that Jamie Taylor, its Principal Consultant and founder, has once again been named a Microsoft MVP (Most Valuable...

More News

Joe Martin-Bindley’s guide to becoming a successful letting agent in the UK

Becoming a successful letting agent in the UK can be a rewarding career, offering both financial stability and the satisfaction of helping people find...

Why new fast trains between London, Manchester and Rochdale can slash fares

Planned new high-speed trains between London Euston, Manchester and Rochdale will compete with existing rail services, deliver lower fares and serve new routes. That's according...

Jack Mason on How Microsoft Is Navigating AI Innovation and Regulation

Jack Mason says that Microsoft’s recent decision to leave the OpenAI board amidst increasing regulatory scrutiny marks a significant juncture in the tech industry....