A new Fasthosts Internet Ltd survey* has revealed that British firms may be placing themselves at risk through an over-reliance on IT or web consultants who look after their website.

The study* found that many firms do not have simple arrangements in place to retain basic control or in some cases even legal ownership of their website and domains.

Ever broadening consumer expectations for the web has led more firms than ever (43%) to opt for using the services of skilled web professionals to help create and maintain their website. 92% of these companies rate their external web consultants positively, with 38% reporting a ‘good’ return on investment. However, the Fasthosts ‘SME & the Web’ study found that many UK companies may be risking revenue and reputation as a result of weaknesses in their workflows with such third parties.

Issues can occasionally arise between companies and external web partners. During the past 2 years, 1 in 4 firms paying for an external web professional have had their website off-line as a result of a problem related to the other party. 1 in 5 businesses incurred delays to projects caused by their external partner, and 17% reported losses of both staff time and sales revenue over £1000 as a result. For 14% of respondents, an external advisor or agency had gone out of business.

A large number of small companies are failing to take basic steps to safeguard the continuity and protection of their web presence. In the event of an issue with their external partner, 56% of firms have no way of making any changes or additions to their website themselves and 80% have no facility for switching their website on/off independently. For these businesses, the link to their external web professional is a single point of failure in their online presence. Whilst UK firms invest millions in professional web design each year, 70% of those using a web designer do not retain a back-up copy of their website themselves.

Via EPR Network
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