Internet-using firms are growing fast but keeping prices down, according to the first McCannics e-survey, which has been established to track this dynamic sector of the UK economy.

Almost 60 per cent of the 362 businesses taking part in the e-survey reported sales in July 1997 higher than in July 1996, while under a third increased prices over the same period.

A minority (13 per cent) of businesses are disillusioned with their web-page experiences, with some thinking that the internet is "a waste of space!".

The vast majority (85 per cent), however, think that the time and money they have spent on their web pages has been worth it, with many reporting that they have been an outstanding success.