Welsh business website statistics 2026
Comprehensive data on Welsh businesses and their digital presence. Find statistics on website adoption, e-commerce, mobile usage, and local search behaviour across Wales.
Welsh Business Overview
Key figures on Welsh businesses
About This Data
Statistics on this page are compiled from Welsh Government data, ONS Business Statistics, UK-wide digital adoption surveys, and industry reports. Where Wales-specific data is unavailable, estimates are based on UK figures adjusted for regional differences. All figures are estimates and should be used as indicative guidance. Last updated: January 2026.
How digital are Welsh businesses?
Digital adoption rates among Welsh businesses compared to UK averages. Data shows Wales is closing the gap in digital technology usage.
Have a website
IncreasingUK average: 72%
Use social media for business
StableUK average: 73%
Sell online (e-commerce)
IncreasingUK average: 32%
Use cloud services
IncreasingUK average: 55%
Use digital marketing
IncreasingUK average: 48%
Have mobile-optimised website
IncreasingUK average: 62%
Key Insight
While Wales trails slightly behind UK averages in digital adoption, the gap is narrowing. The Welsh Government's Digital Wales programme and increased awareness following the pandemic have accelerated digital transformation among Welsh SMEs, particularly in website adoption and e-commerce.
Digital adoption across Welsh regions
Website adoption rates vary significantly across Wales, with urban areas showing higher digital maturity.
| Region | Website Adoption |
|---|---|
| Cardiff | 74% |
| Swansea | 70% |
| Newport | 68% |
| Wrexham | 65% |
| Rural Wales | 55% |
| Valleys | 58% |
Welsh e-commerce statistics
Online selling is growing rapidly in Wales, with increasing numbers of businesses and consumers embracing e-commerce.
E-commerce Growth Drivers in Wales
- +Post-pandemic consumer behaviour changes
- +Improved broadband infrastructure
- +Better e-commerce platforms (Shopify, WooCommerce)
- +Social commerce via Instagram and Facebook
- +Welsh Government business support grants
- +Growing consumer confidence in online shopping
Mobile internet statistics in Wales
Mobile devices dominate internet access in Wales, making mobile-optimised websites essential for reaching Welsh consumers.
Of Welsh internet users primarily use mobile
Mobile usage continues to grow year-on-year
Of local searches are on mobile devices
Rising from 60% in 2020
Average daily mobile internet use in Wales
Similar to UK average
Of Welsh adults own a smartphone
Higher in urban areas
Why Mobile Matters
With 65% of Welsh internet users primarily accessing the web via mobile devices, businesses without mobile-optimised websites risk losing nearly two-thirds of potential customers. Google also prioritises mobile-friendly websites in search rankings, making mobile optimisation crucial for visibility.
How Welsh consumers find local businesses
Local search behaviour data showing how Welsh consumers discover and engage with local businesses online.
Use online search to find local businesses
Contact business within 24 hours of local search
Of all Google searches have local intent
Visit a business within a day of 'near me' search
Implications for Welsh Businesses
What this means
- 1.Being visible in local search is essential
- 2.Google Business Profile optimisation is crucial
- 3.Website must display contact info prominently
- 4.Mobile-friendly design is non-negotiable
Action steps
- Claim and optimise your Google Business Profile
- Ensure website is mobile-responsive
- Add clickable phone number
- Include Welsh location keywords on your site
Digital adoption by industry in Wales
Website and digital technology adoption varies significantly by sector, with professional services leading and agriculture lagging.
Professional Services
High adoptionRetail
High adoptionHospitality
Growing adoptionConstruction
Moderate adoptionManufacturing
Growing adoptionAgriculture
Low adoptionWebsite costs for Welsh businesses
What Welsh businesses can expect to pay for different types of websites in 2026.
Basic brochure website
Includes: 5-10 pages, responsive design, contact form
Timeframe: 2-4 weeks
Professional business website
Includes: Custom design, CMS, SEO, blog, integrations
Timeframe: 4-8 weeks
E-commerce website
Includes: Online shop, payment processing, inventory management
Timeframe: 6-12 weeks
Bespoke web application
Includes: Custom functionality, user portals, advanced features
Timeframe: 3-12 months
Want an accurate quote for your project?
Frequently asked questions about Welsh business statistics
Answers to common questions about Welsh businesses and digital adoption.
How many businesses are there in Wales?
As of 2026, there are approximately 290,000 active businesses in Wales, according to Welsh Government statistics. Around 99% of these are small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), with the majority being micro-businesses employing fewer than 10 people. Cardiff has the highest concentration of businesses, followed by Swansea and Newport.
What percentage of Welsh businesses have a website?
Approximately 65-70% of Welsh businesses have a website, which is slightly below the UK average of around 72%. However, this varies significantly by sector and business size. Larger businesses are more likely to have websites, while micro-businesses and sole traders are less likely. The rate has been steadily increasing, particularly since 2020.
How many Welsh businesses sell online?
Around 25-30% of Welsh businesses with websites have e-commerce capabilities, allowing them to sell products or services online. This represents approximately 50,000-60,000 Welsh businesses actively engaged in online selling. The figure has grown significantly since 2020, accelerated by the pandemic.
What is the digital adoption rate among Welsh SMEs?
Digital adoption among Welsh SMEs is estimated at around 75-80%, when considering businesses using any digital technologies (websites, social media, cloud services, or digital marketing). However, advanced digital adoption (e-commerce, CRM systems, automation) is lower at approximately 35-40%. The Welsh Government's Digital Wales programme has been working to improve these figures.
How do Welsh consumers search for local businesses?
Research indicates that 78% of Welsh consumers use online search to find local businesses, with Google being the dominant search engine. 64% of local searches in Wales result in a phone call or visit within 24 hours. Mobile devices account for 65% of local searches, with 'near me' searches growing by over 200% in recent years.
What percentage of Welsh businesses use social media?
Approximately 70% of Welsh businesses have a presence on at least one social media platform. Facebook remains the most popular platform for Welsh businesses at 85% of those using social media, followed by Instagram (45%), LinkedIn (40%), and Twitter/X (30%). Businesses in hospitality and retail sectors show the highest social media adoption rates.
How many Welsh businesses are mobile-optimised?
Estimates suggest that 55-60% of Welsh business websites are mobile-optimised or responsive. This is below the recommended level, as 65% of Welsh internet users primarily access the web via mobile devices. Businesses without mobile-friendly websites may be losing up to 40% of potential customers.
What is the average cost of a website for Welsh businesses?
The average cost of a professional business website in Wales ranges from £500 to £5,000 for small businesses, depending on complexity and features. Basic brochure websites typically start from £500-£1,500, while e-commerce websites range from £2,000 to £10,000+. Ongoing costs include hosting (£100-£300/year) and maintenance (£300-£1,000/year).
How important is local SEO for Welsh businesses?
Local SEO is crucial for Welsh businesses, with 46% of all Google searches having local intent. Businesses that optimise for local search see an average increase of 30-50% in local visibility. For businesses serving Welsh customers, appearing in Google's local pack can drive 25-40% of their total website traffic and enquiries.
What are the main barriers to digital adoption in Wales?
The main barriers to digital adoption among Welsh businesses include: lack of digital skills (cited by 45% of non-digital businesses), cost concerns (38%), uncertainty about ROI (32%), time constraints (28%), and rural connectivity issues in parts of Wales (22%). The Welsh Government offers various support programmes to help overcome these barriers.
Data Sources & Methodology
The statistics on this page are compiled from multiple sources including:
- 1.Welsh Government Business Statistics and Stats Wales
- 2.Office for National Statistics (ONS) UK Business Statistics
- 3.Ofcom Communications Market Reports
- 4.Google and Think with Google consumer research
- 5.Industry surveys and reports from Federation of Small Businesses
Where Wales-specific data is not available, figures are estimated based on UK-wide statistics adjusted for regional economic factors. All statistics are approximate and intended as indicative guidance for Welsh businesses planning their digital strategy.
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