18. What is the industry like for your business type. (i.e. are there changes taking place which have meant your sales have been impacted, what changes may be occurring that provide opportunities to grow)
Industry Overview
The digital services and website development industry continues to grow as more businesses recognise the importance of having a strong online presence. Small businesses, sole traders, and organisations increasingly rely on websites, digital tools, and online platforms to promote their services, communicate with customers, and manage their operations. This has created a steady demand for affordable and reliable digital support.
Recent developments in technology have also created new opportunities for growth. Many businesses are now looking to improve their digital efficiency through automation, online services, and data management, which creates demand for skills in website development, digital tools, and analytics. In addition, the growth of online marketing, e-commerce, and social media platforms has increased the need for professional websites and digital content.
While the industry is competitive, particularly with large web agencies and freelance developers, there is strong demand for local, personalised services, especially among small businesses that prefer working with someone they can communicate with directly. By focusing on the North East of England and offering practical, affordable solutions, the business can build strong relationships with clients and develop a steady customer base.
Overall, the ongoing digital transformation of businesses and organisations provides significant opportunities for growth, particularly for small service providers who can offer flexible, tailored solutions to meet individual client needs.
19. Expand on your target customer groups. (i.e. what do you know about them at a local level, give an idea of their size, maybe where they are located geographically or what websites/networks/forums they may visit on the internet where you could
Target Customer Groups (Expanded)
The primary target customer groups will be small businesses, sole traders, start-ups, and independent professionals, particularly within the North East of England. This region has a large number of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), many of which rely on affordable digital services to promote their businesses and communicate with customers online. These businesses are commonly located in towns and cities across the region such as Newcastle, Sunderland, Durham, and surrounding communities.
Many of these businesses operate in sectors such as local trades, retail, hospitality, tourism, personal services, and creative industries, where having a professional website and online presence is increasingly important for attracting customers. However, many smaller businesses do not have the resources or in-house expertise to design, develop, or maintain their own websites and digital tools.
At a local level, these customers often connect through local business networks, community groups, and online platforms. Potential clients may be active on websites and platforms such as business networking groups, LinkedIn, local business directories, and social media platforms including Facebook and Instagram, where they promote their services and engage with customers. In addition, local networking events, small business forums, and community groups can provide opportunities to connect directly with potential clients.
By focusing on this local market and building relationships through both online platforms and face-to-face networking, the business can effectively reach potential customers who require practical, affordable digital solutions and ongoing support.
20. Describe the size of your customer groups. (i.e. Provide some stats around the size of the market using ONS Office of National Statistic website, Fact sheets or google etc.)
Size of the Customer Market
The potential customer base for this business is large, particularly among small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and sole traders. According to data from the Office for National Statistics and UK government sources, there are over 166,000 SMEs in the North East of England, representing around 3% of all UK SMEs.
The majority of businesses in the region are very small. Around 87–88% of businesses in the North East are micro-businesses with fewer than 10 employees, and approximately 99.9% of all businesses are SMEs. These types of businesses are often the most likely to require external help with services such as website development, digital marketing, and online tools, because they usually do not have dedicated IT or digital teams.
Across the North East there are over 70,000 registered enterprises, with many located in urban areas such as Newcastle, Sunderland, Durham, and surrounding towns, as well as in smaller communities where local businesses rely heavily on digital visibility to reach customers.
These statistics demonstrate that the potential market is substantial, with thousands of small businesses and individuals who may benefit from affordable website development, digital support, and related services. The large number of SMEs and micro-businesses in the region provides ongoing opportunities to attract clients and build long-term business relationships.
21. Carry out and provide your own research such as surveys discussions with your potential customer groups. (i.e. you could do this using Facebook, via www.surveymonkey.com or with paper questionnaires and include your findings).
Customer Research
To better understand the needs of potential customers, I have carried out informal research and discussions with individuals and small business owners within my personal and professional networks. These conversations included people who run small businesses, independent services, and online projects who may benefit from website development or digital support.
The feedback indicated that many small businesses recognise the importance of having a professional website and online presence, but often lack the technical knowledge or time to develop and maintain these themselves. Several individuals expressed interest in services such as website creation, updates to existing websites, and advice on improving their digital presence.
I have also observed discussions within local online groups and social media platforms, such as business networking groups on Facebook and LinkedIn, where many small businesses seek advice on websites, online promotion, and digital tools. These discussions highlight a clear demand for affordable and accessible digital support.
This informal research suggests there is genuine interest and demand among small businesses and individuals who require practical assistance with websites and digital services, particularly from someone local who can provide clear communication and ongoing support.