99% of Welsh businesses selling online do not comply with laws and regulations
Consultancy warns that online businesses must make changes
The Wales eBusiness Compliance Audit 2008, a comprehensive survey of Welsh businesses that trade on the Internet, has revealed that an alarming 99% of them fail to meet their minimum obligations with regard to sales process, providing information to the customer, and making their Websites accessible to all.
Undertaken by Abergele based business consultancy The ITC, the audit examined the online selling practices of Welsh businesses: subjects for the study were found using the popular Internet search engine Google, thus providing an impartial cross-section of Welsh business Websites. Any business that allows customers to purchase a product or service via the Internet was eligible for inclusion.
The Websites of these businesses were then carefully analysed against a comprehensive set of criteria designed to gauge their compliance with UK laws, essential regulations and best practice guidelines.
85% did not comply with the Distance Selling Regulations, which state that a business must ensure that the customer reads and agrees to their terms and conditions before being able to make a purchase.
88% were in breach of the eCommerce regulations, which state that a Website must clearly display, amongst other things, the business name, trading address and company and VAT numbers. 87% were in breach of the Companies Act, which places a similar requirement on companies to display this information on their sites.
68% did not meet basic requirements for accessibility, the measure of whether a site is accessible to a disabled person, and a legal requirement of the Disability Discrimination Act.
The audit was undertaken by The ITC following work done under a number of projects across Wales, directly providing support to over 800 SMEs: this experience led to a recognition that problems remain in the way eBusiness – and in particular use of the Web - is being applied in Wales.
Charlie Bass, The ITC's Managing Director, says "The audit clearly demonstrates the need for Welsh businesses to take a serious look at their Websites and address these important issues, so that they are seen as safe to do business with. Pleading ignorance is not a defence. These laws and regulations are intended to make sites more accessible for customers as well as to offer them proper protection when buying goods and services online."
Further Information and support
Any business should make sure its Website complies: we can help you to find out where yours may need attention. Contact us on 01745 828440 or at info@theitc.co.uk or just fill in the contact form below.
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