Many big high street names are seeing a shift in consumer spending trends as more revenue is generated online than via in-store transactions. In 2009 web sales were valued at £115bn, an increase of 23.6 per cent from the 2008 estimate of £93.1bn and the wholesale sector dominated website sales with sales valued at £48.2bn

But why is the B2B market so reluctant to take up on this trend and open up their trading online to their customers?

Tim Bryars, Intellisell Online Strategist explains, “There are still many barriers to companies moving forward with online trading. I am surprised by the number of businesses that are failing to see the potential of ecommerce since it’s as easy to buy business products and services online as it is for consumers to shop online. Everyone can benefit from B2B ecommerce; not only does the retailer have the option of placing an order 24/7 in a secure environment but businesses will see cost savings with automated order processing. Can your business let the competition take the lead online?”