UK online sales will actually increase during the recession at a rate of 6% a year, according to research by e-commerce consultancy firm Forrester.

Despite the current economic downturn, the research predicts that online sales will continue to rise as an increasing number of customers move away from the high street.

"The recession will hit online sales less hard than other channels as people shop online to find better prices," said a spokesperson from Forrester.

Online is one of the few sectors in the UK that is still experiencing a growth in sales, and all small business owners are advised to make sure that they have a fully functioning website where customers can purchase their products and services online.

The survey predicts UK online sales for retail and travel will total over £37bn in 2009 and will rise to £56bn by 2014.