Small to medium-sized enterprises (SME) are increasingly enjoying the benefits of operating online, a new survey suggests.

According to a study of 57 SMEs by Actinic, a provider of e-commerce solutions, between November and December 2006, over 95 per cent of firms reported an increase in turnover compared with the same period during the previous year.

Over the same period, the number of shoppers opting to purchase online has increased by 30 per cent.

"E-commerce, for me, is the only way to do business now. It's quick and easy and saves a lot of time, travel and parking expense too," said Karen Smith, from Nails Plus Beauty

"As a business, I can take more orders and deal with them faster as the client does not always need to speak with us before ordering," she added.

Founded in 1996, Actinic specialises in the provision of e-commerce solutions to SMEs.