Eight out of ten small businesses believe that their company is more sustainable by having an online offering as well, according to data released by eBay's Online Business Index.

The Index also asked online businesses what improvements they would like to see and found that 42% wanted simplified rules on consumer protection and 18% called for investment to speed up the country's broadband services.

"There is no doubt that the internet has transformed the way we shop and has challenged retailers, both online and offline, to raise their game to meet ever higher consumer expectations," said Mark Lewis, Managing Director for eBay in the UK.