Towcester has been crowned the UK’s fifth top town in e-commerce by a new survey.
The Google eTown Awards, which are designed to recognise those towns whose businesses are most actively embracing the web, has put the Northamptonshire town in fifth place.
Google worked with Ipsos MORI to break the UK into its 12 regions and analysed the online strength of local businesses across 1,300 towns.
Nicola Morrow, who set up Mum Stuff in Towcester in 2005, said she has seen consistent business growth through the company’s website.
The store sells products targeted at mums during and after pregnancy and Ms Morrow said she sells a lot of merchandise through the business’ website.
She said: “As a small online business in Towcester our website is our ‘sales window’ – creating our presence within the marketplace and allowing us to compete with larger operators.
“Thanks to tools that drive traffic to our site like Google AdWords we’ve grown rapidly, taking on staff and getting our own premises.
“I would recommend businesses of all types – regardless of their product or service - get online to take advantage of the internet marketplace.”
Andrea Leadsom, MP for South Northamptonshire, said: “I am incredibly proud of Towcester’s Google eTown award and am delighted to represent an area that has truly embraced the internet to help their local businesses to flourish.
“The internet is going to play a key role in Towcester’s economic growth, helping local businesses and entrepreneurs thrive, and contributing overall to the wider British economy.
“I hope this award encourages other local businesses to use the internet to grow.”
Towcester came behind Stansted, Richmond, Edinburh and top town Stratford Upon Avon in the list.
James Rudd, chairman of Towcester Business Club, said: “It is great news that Google has awarded Towcester an eTowns award.
“With 66 per cent per cent of the local population living in villages and something like 19 per cent of the population being entrepreneurs, the internet is the perfect way for everyone to get their name heard and plays a vital role in our community.
“Towcester is lucky that we have a very active hyperlocal news site and that through the Towcester Business Club we actively promote e-commerce.”
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