The web 'has enabled small businesses to launch quickly'

The internet has changed the landscape for small businesses, with related technology such as VoIP solutions helping them to start quickly and expand overseas at a rapid pace.

Alex Evans, editorial director and co-chair of the National Business Awards, said another benefit is the fact that start-up costs are much lower than they were in previous generations.

What broadband connectivity has allowed small and medium-sized firms to do is expand their operations at a much quicker rate than they could have in years gone by.

"They've hit the ground running, particularly looking at the technology side of things in places like east London, they're using connections via the web to go straight overseas, to expand their customer base and innovate around search - it's a lot easier," Mr Evans added.

According to a recent study by In-Stat, small business spending on IP telephony solutions will grow by 83 per cent between 2010 and 2015.