Exploring the rate of e-commerce adoption among SMEs in the UK.

Abstract

This paper presents the findings of a study of Small to Medium Sized Enterprises (SMEs) in the East Midlands Region in the UK. A collective case study of five SMEs was carried out to verify the reasons why there is slow adoption of e-commerce among UK SMEs. This was done through the examination of the following issues and how they affect e-commerce adoption among SMEs in the East midlands region which was the area of focus.

1. Characteristics of SMEs. 2. Benefits/Drivers for e-commerce adoption. 3. Barriers to e-commerce adoption.

The results of the study indicate that there is indeed a slow rate of e-commerce adoption among SMEs in the East Midlands region and hence forth the UK. It has to some extent been established that all the above issues in one way or another contribute towards the slow rate of e-commerce adoption among SMEs.