THE recent bad weather gave a lift to business for web-based companies in the region.

DTZ director Nick Atkinson, pictured, said: “Growth in the area of internet sales has accelerated in the last two to three years with online being the fastest growing area of retail sales during the last 12 months. This trend will have contributed to the enhanced sales seen by many internet retailers over the holiday period.

“However, the poor weather conditions also contributed to this sales boost. Poor weather across the country in the lead up to Christmas meant people were quite happy to order online and let the delivery companies brave the snow and ice rather than going out themselves.

“The bad weather, coupled with overall rising internet sales, has led to accentuated growth patterns for many online retailers.

“Making deliveries in difficult conditions pushed up costs for high street retailers in Q4.

“Unlike their high street competitors, internet retailers avoid the necessity of transporting goods from warehouses to stores, relying instead on delivery companies to take their products directly to consumers.

“Whilst many high street retailers suffered disruption to replenishing stock in their stores, the majority of delivery services were well prepared for the bad weather and largely successful in delivering online purchases on time over the holidays.

“Anecdotal evidence of this can be seen by the increase in enquiries from express delivery companies and couriers over the past six months who are looking to expand their premises.”