Pictured above: (l-r) Chris and Cecilia Hall comparing their market research findings

Lincoln was recently dubbed the UK's fastest-growing city - following the launch of scores of new enterprises and a rise in the number of firms moving in.

Royal Mail's Business Barometer claimed a 2.08 per cent increase in the number of firms trading in the city in the six months to March. But, Danesgate area-based Marketing Flair fear a shocking number of small businesses are selling themselves short when it comes to getting new customers. 

Armed with the findings that, in the six months to March, 109  new ventures were started and 58 companies moved to Lincoln - giving the city 8,000 businesses - Marketing Flair decided to do a mini-survey to see if independent and smaller ventures are using the power of 21st century communications.

Owners, Cecilia and Chris Hall, who  spoke to businesses in the lower High Street and supplemented their findings with Internet research, were amazed with what they discovered. 

Today they claimed  that many businesses are failing to capitalise on online marketing opportunities, at a time when many are also complaining that their trade is being disrupted by a five-month long project to revamp the lower High Street. 

Mr Hall said: "Out of 130 businesses which we surveyed, 56 still had no website and only 23 had a social media presence and were connecting with their  customers, by using Twitter and Facebook. 

"Both newly-established and other businesses need to plan ahead and use simple marketing and business management tactics. This is particularly true for those which are determined to survive their first three years in business in today's highly-competitive market and slippery economy," he said. 

"In our opinion, not having a website or engaging in social media, means ignoring a huge audience that is searching online for local and national products and services."

Cecilia Hall added: "We find that one barrier that gets in the way is the word "marketing". Many businesses fear tapping into this sort of expertise is going to cost them a fortune.

"They don't always understand that marketing services can mean anything from undertaking a small, one-off research project for a client to providing ongoing monthly support."

Jigsaw Property Solutions manager Gareth Kinnear said: "We are not surprised that Lincoln has been earmarked as the fastest-growing city for new business. But what is surprising, is the lack of businesses with a website or social media presence."

But Paul Howard-Jones who owns another High Street business, PC Automotive, said there is a downside, if you want to control your growth.

"I had a website but I had to close it down. It was bringing in so much business that I couldn't handle it, including the sort of work I didn't want. It meant I would have had to have taken on more staff and that was not what I wanted."

Hazel Smith, who owns Jesters Fancy Dress, doesn't feel the Royal Mail's findings are "relevant" to her section of the High Street. However Jesters does have a website, which is managed by her son James, who is a magician. 

"Shops are closing down and there is no money around.  We have been in business for eight years and we have had to go through recession," said Mrs Smith.

"Now big roadworks are in progress, which is badly affecting my business. They promised to start these in January when business is quiet. Just when business is picking up for the Summer they have started them and I am worried."