Local businesses rely increasingly on websites to provide information 24 hours a day to current and potential customers.

Customers expect national and international businesses to have a website. It’s considered a key method of communication, providing a global shop window for your goods and services.

The absence of a website may negatively affect your customers’ perception of your business.

Although your customers usually request your goods or services in person, many will expect to be able to find out about your business without contacting you directly.

The Internet is a key marketplace for niche market goods and services. The global audience means that you’re more likely to make contact with potential customers.

Your business may benefit from a simple website providing basic information. This would usually include:

* a description of your goods, products and services
* opening times
* contact information

If you are a limited company or a limited liability partnership, your website will also need to include, by law, your:

* registered name
* registered office and geographic addresses
* registered number
* place of registration
* VAT number (if VAT registered)
* membership details of any trade or professional association

You will also have to provide an email address. If you include prices on your website, they must be clear and unambiguous. Also, state whether prices are inclusive of tax and delivery costs.

The website will become a shop window for your goods and services. Simple websites made up of a few pages are relatively quick and inexpensive to create and you should expect to pay approximately £500 for building and publishing.