E-commerce sites are expecting an average 200% boost in traffic during December as people spend a predicted £5 billion online over the festive season.

But if your website is old and creaky, you'll have problems, according to web hosting company Fasthosts.

Spokesman Stephen Holford told Freelance UK:

"As online competition increases, it amazes me that so many small and medium-sized enterprises are willing to chance their Christmas sales.

"Ensuring that your website is supported by the correct infrastructure is vital to provide a quality buying experience. Having the right sort of hosting package is key if businesses are to reap the benefits of the Christmas revenue window."