Online sales increased 16% in July despite the recession, according to figures released in the latest IMRG Capgemini e-Retail Sales Index.

Overall online sales were 16.8% higher in July than the same month last year, compared to a 3.3% in high street shops.

The data highlights the importance to all small firms of having a fully functioning website that can drive sales.

"Online has proved pretty resilient to the recession, when one considers the wider retail market," said Mike Petevinos from Capgemini.