The Interactive Media in Retail Group (IMRG) - which represents e-commerce - reckons Brits will spend a staggering £30 billion online this year - an increase of more than 50% on last year.

And high street spending is forecast to be hit as more and more people research, then buy, goods and services over the Internet.

The massive take-up of broadband by home users, and a growing confidence in online shopping, appear to be behind the trend. Around 26,000 UK firms now trade online.