The UK is one of the most internet-based economies in the world according to researchers at the Boston Consulting Group (BCG). Worth £121 billion in 2010, it contributes to 8.3% of the UK economy, growing at a faster rate than other countries.

The UK also carries out far more retail online, reports the BBC. Some 13.5% of all purchases were done over the internet in 2010, according to the study, and this is projected to rise to 23% by 2016. Researchers predict it will continue to expand at a rate of 11% per year for the next four years, reaching a total value of £221bn by 2016. That compares with projected growth rates of 5.4% in the US and 6.9% in China. (Travelmole, March 2012)