According to UKOM, Britons are spending 65% more time online today than they did three years ago. However, most of this internet use revolves around social networking and communication tools. Ecommerce and other business endeavours fall way behind. So at a time when the UK needs to strengthen its GDP, what are we doing to add value to our online economy?

Internet progress is mostly focused on connecting the nation with telecommunication providers such as BT planning new, rapid broadband lines across the country. But this could all be for nothing if businesses do not improve their websites to compete with the rest of the world. Operating in a global marketplace means UK companies have to equip themselves with a strong online presence to win homeland business as well as gain clients around the world. Recent reports however, suggest that there is significant work to be done. Web monitor Aptimize, revealed in May that the UK's biggest companies are running their websites 27% slower on average than their US counterparts in the Fortune 1000. With Google's rules changing to promote faster websites, this could have a catastrophic effect when it comes to online business success for some of the UK's largest brands.

Building Online Britain argues for a focus on empowering businesses to succeed online. Working with organisations across the UK, Building Online Britain is raising awareness of the need for businesses to find better quality, sustainable solutions to their online challenges. The UK has 1.5m online businesses and yet 75% of the current revenue is collected by only 2% of them. The British economy needs to build strength through all businesses if it wants to punch above its weight in the global marketplace.

To gain momentum, we are calling upon all British businesses to join the race to Build Online Britain. Get in touch with our campaign team by emailing BOB@ukfast.co.uk.