Research carried out by Hibu, formerly Yell Group, has revealed that 85 per cent of UK smartphone users have searched for local information, with 81 per cent of these then taking action as a result.
However, it was discovered that over a third (37 per cent) of small and medium businesses do not have a website.
Richard Hanscott, chief executive officer of Hibu in the UK, said: “In business, you need to be where your customers are. Increasingly, customers are online and using smartphones and tablets to find and purchase products locally. Historically, SMEs have not had access to the necessary tools to target those customers.
“They are also time-poor, lacking in IT resource and some are even a little scared of the online and mobile worlds - that’s a huge wasted opportunity. With the launch of Hibu business, we are providing the most comprehensive set of tools all in one place for SMEs to compete strongly in the online and mobile worlds before it is too late.”
On those SMEs with a website, only 35 per cent reported they are satisfied with it.