Research by a government group suggests that around two million sole traders and small firms are losing trade because they don’t have a website.

The study, by the Business is Great campaign, revealed that more than half of consumers find it hard to support local businesses because they lack an online presence.

About the same number of people admit they go straight to search engines when looking to buy from local businesses.

The figures show that even businesses relying on local trade need to get a website to feel the full benefit of local goodwill.

Relying on people to leave the house is no longer good enough, it seems.

Enterprise minister Matthew Hancock said: “Thousands of potential customers are searching online for local small businesses and without an online profile businesses will lose out.

“To make sure consumers get the best deal and small businesses spread their nets far and wide, the government is investing in expert advice to help them do more online.”

Measures created by the government include funding for 22 Local Enterprise Partnerships to help local firms build their digital presence.

The Business is Great campaign has also launched its “Do more online” campaign, providing web-based advice for businesses.

There is also the Digital Skills website (www.digitalskills.com/business), a partnership with Go On UK providing additional online advice and resources.

Fronting the campaign government entrepreneur-in-residence Simon Devonshire added:

“British businesses should consider having a presence online as more important than having an office landline telephone number.

“Online is the new landline. A landline number used to be a mark of authenticity for businesses.

“The move to a digital economy has meant consumers are more likely to trust a business with a website and consider a business more credible if they offer the ability to transact seamlessly online.”