THE editor-in-chief of the Advertiser has outlined the power of website creating services offered by the newspaper's publisher.

Last month, Andover Advertiser publisher Newsquest launched a new service creating websites for small businesses.

Although small businesses make up 99.3 per cent of all private sector enterprises in the UK, almost a third do not have a website.

Almost half say they do not have a website that is mobile responsive, and 47 per cent say they cannot update their sites because of a lack of time and of technical skills.

That is despite the fact that 46 per cent of customers say a website is the biggest factor determining whether they trust a company.

Bill Browne, Advertiser publisher and editor-in-chief, said: “The Andover Advertiser has proven its pedigree through its incredible growth. With a monthly audience of in excess of 50,000 the news brand is now reaching more people than ever before and now we are putting the skills and experience we have at the disposal of local businesses.

“We are part of Newsquest which has 30 million unique visitors each month to its websites in the UK. Businesses who use us have a range of tools at their disposal which enables them to target customers in a precise and cost-effective way.”

Newsquest’s website services offer small businesses a single point of contact and the reassurance of dealing with a trusted brand.

Research suggests the service will prove a return on investment if it attracts as few as three new customers for an electrician, four for an auto repair shop or five for an optician or dentist.

To find out more about Newsquest’s new web services, contact Amy Waissen on 01256 337451.