Since its launch in 2004, Mr Site's Takeaway Website has won numerous accolades. The consensus is that it has taken the hassle out of buying a domain name and building a site. Stuart Spice, Mr Site's co-founder and director, says he expects turnover for 2007 to be "around the £1.5m mark—a 130 per cent increase on 2006."

Of its 48,000 users, 40 per cent are business owners. These customers led Spice to think about adding business-centric features, such as built-in optimisation: "The rate at which Web use and technology has evolved is so rapid, we simply couldn't afford to stand still," he adds.

The team started developing Mr Site's Takeaway Website Pro in September 2006. "The main challenge was time," says Spice. "There were parts of the supply chain that were beyond our control, especially the weather and the postal strikes last year. We were relieved when we delivered on time."

He says it's more important than ever for businesses to have a professional website. "Whether it's for information sharing, part of a larger viral marketing campaign or simply a way to raise brand awareness, a website is the norm if you're hoping to engage with brand- and technology-savvy consumers. The Web is one area where, pound for pound, smaller companies are able to compete with big businesses."

Spice admits that being his own boss has been challenging. "My role has evolved from being the only technical development officer in the company to that of chief developer and office manager [of 10 staff]. Running a tight, happy ship is key to the development of the firm."