A CAMPAIGN urging traders to go online is offering a chance to set up a website and email address for £1.

Oxford Science Park-based Nominet, which registers and manages the .uk domain, is behind the push.

It is also offering the use of a free helpline.

Neil Dagger, senior product marketing manager at not-for-profit Nominet, said: “Many people think getting a website is difficult, time consuming and expensive but this couldn’t be further from the truth.

“For £1, less than the price of a coffee, businesses can now get online with a new .uk website and a professional email address.

“Getting it all set up is quick and easy and we have a UK support team able to answer any questions along the way.”

Research shows half Oxfordshire’s small business owners do not have a website.

Banbury-based Albany Bookkeeping founder Tracy Howard has been self-employed for four years but until recently relied on word-of-mouth to generate new business.

She explained: “When you first set up a business you are so busy there is no time.

“Not everyone is really good on the IT front - I felt setting up a website was a big task which would be expensive and time-consuming.”

Ms Howard used the campaign to launch a website earlier this month.

She pointed out: “It’s a strong selling point to showcase my business services and a sign of authenticity.”

Mr Dagger added: “There are so many benefits of being online, such as increasing sales, finding new leads and improving reputation.

“Increasingly people want to find, research and contact businesses online and by not having a web presence, many are missing a trick.

“Tradespeople with a website get on average 21 more leads a year, meaning they could earn £16,000 more per year.”

For more information, see quidoffer.uk, or call 0800 170 1746.