Australian business Internet income increased by 52% in the twelve months to 2008-09, according to a report released on 24 June by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS). The value of these orders represents $123 billion, up from $81 billion in 2007-08.

Twenty-seven per cent of all business received orders via the Internet. This equated to 193,000 businesses in Australia, an increase of approximately 25,000 businesses over twelve months.

Businesses reporting a web presence increased from 36% to 42%. The majority of all large businesses had a web presence (95%), compared to almost one-third of micro businesses (31%). The report also reported a drop in innovation Australian business. Australian businesses reduced their innovative activity by 11% in 2008-09, including the development or introduction of new or significantly improved goods, services, processes or methods. New marketing methods was the only broad type of innovation to record a noticeable increase compared to the previous year.

If you are looking to build an ecommerce site or wish to enhance a pre-existing site, don’t hesitate to contact Shifted Pixels on 1300 144 367.

Further information is available in Summary of IT Use and Innovation in Australian Business (cat. no. 8166.0) available for free download