A new study indicates that a great number of companies who want an online shop don't have one, hampered by a lack of technical knowledge.

Amenworld.com found that just under half (49 per cent) of those firms wishing to establish an internet retail outlet do not have one, with a lack of IT nous being the number one factor preventing them.

In fact, only 11 per cent of businesses believed there were no obstacles in the way of setting up an online shop, indicating the widespread need for IT support.

"The internet is the only place where small businesses can compete with global organisations," said Amenworld's Andrew Fassnidge.

"The value of internet sales is set to double in the next five years, but too many businesses are put off selling online by the perceived complexity and expense of online shops."

Meanwhile, Linus Gregoriadis of e-consultancy points out that a growing number of SMEs are using the web to market themselves to potential customers.

"No matter what the sector, companies are missing a trick if they don't have any kind of online marketing capabilities," he said.

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)