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Online markets discussion paper

Start date: 7 July 2010

Closing date: 30 September 2010

Summary:

Trading and marketing online (e.g. companies advertising online or selling goods and services online) is growing in scale and changing rapidly. It involves activities which have network effects potentially leading to concentration in some markets that act as gateways for small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs1) trading online. This independent research paper from Plum Consulting and Keplar LLP aims to help build the OFT's understanding of the dynamics of online markets by:

  • Describing routes to market for SMEs wishing to trade online.
  • Commenting on effects of the economics of these markets.

In doing this, the research aims to provide context for the consideration of any potential complaints.

The focus is on SMEs and online markets. These findings are based on a literature review and on interviews with key industry participants and a small number of SMEs. This summary discusses findings by section of the value chain then by top-level theme.

Presentation:

  • Watch a set of films of Brian Williamson and Stephen Adshead from Plum Consulting discussing their findings on online markets, recorded at the OFT offices on 27 July 2010. These can be viewed below on this page.

Related documents:

How to respond:

To tell us your views you can either use the online feedback form, or send an email to onlinemarkets@oft.gsi.gov.uk

Contacts:

Team leader: Joanne Marsden (020 7211 8157, joanne.marsden@oft.gsi.gov.uk)

Project director: John Gibson (020 7211 5884, john.gibson@oft.gsi.gov.uk)

Senior responsible officer: Cavendish Elithorn (020 7211 8170, cavendish.elithorn@oft.gsi.gov.uk)

Any media enquiries should be directed to a member of our Press Office.

Online barriers to entry presentation - 27 July 2010

In these films recorded at the OFT offices on 27 July 2010, Brian Williamson and Stephen Adshead from Plum Consulting discuss their findings on online markets.

Visit our YouTube channel to access all videos.

Online barriers to entry - talk given on 27 July 2010 (part 1)

Online barriers to entry - talk given on 27 July 2010 (part 2)

Online barriers to entry - talk given on 27 July 2010 (part 3)

Online barriers to entry - talk given on 27 July 2010 (part 4)

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