Although having some online presence is almost vital for modern business success that does not mean every firm needs to employ an IT specialist, a leading industry expert has suggested.

Growing use of the internet and e-commerce facilities in recent years has seen a continued rise in the number of new business enterprises opening in the UK, with Adam Wayland, editor of SmallBusiness.co.uk, insisting that an online presence is now largely vital to SME success.

"I think no matter what business you're in, having a presence online is almost essential these days," he said.

The need for a strong website, however, does not necessarily mean new companies must come with an in-house technical department, with Mr Wayland adding that many ISPs and other firms are now on hand to offer essential IT support.

"There is a lot more to be concerned about when you are starting a business than your IT worries," he said.

"I think people want to spend their money on other things; cashflow is a real concern for small businesses so it is not their main priority."

Recent figures released by the Small Business Research Trust found that 35 per cent of those firms it questioned had experienced sales growth in the first quarter of 2007 as internet retail continues to boom.

A recent Connect survey found that the two major concerns about outsourcing services like IT support were 'loss of control' (56 per cent) and 'budget over-runs' (43 per cent)