Small business owners must be aware that UK shoppers spent more online than anywhere else in Europe last year, according to data released by the Centre for Retail Research (CRR).

Small firms must have a fully functioning website to take advantage of shifting consumer patterns, with UK consumers spending £38bn online in 2009, or an average of £1,102 per shopper. Online sales now account for almost 10% of total retail sales in the UK.

"This year is when we will really start to see online sales achieving a significant share of overall retail trade in the UK," said Bruce Fair, managing director of online shopping and price comparison site Kelkoo, which commissioned the research.