Now, a new web based company is being launched to provide a 24 hour support service for owners of these businesses, and the man responsible for the launch of the concept is Stefan Topfer, the serial entrepreneur behind the business known today as Tiscali.
WinWeb provides a range of support services, including accountancy and IT, which are normally too expensive for early stage companies to access. Without them, however, Mr Topfer believes that businesses cannot succeed, which is why he has developed an infrastructure platform to which small businesses can subscribe at low cost. With this support, entrepreneurs can focus on developing revenues rather than becoming overwhelmed with administration.
Among the benefits of using WinWeb services are ease of access; OnlineOffice can be accessed from anywhere in the world and all documents relating to a particular client or contact are stored in the same place. When looking up a contact, rather than searching though numerous files, every document sent or received or relevant to the specific client, is in the same place.
Negotiating meetings with clients or a group of business contacts can be time consuming and frustrating. OnlineOffice automates the whole process by sending available dates to the relevant people via email and confirming the date on behalf of the business owner.
Start up businesses rely  on networking to build their revenues, and through the WinWeb database of subscribers, companies can advertise their products and services, which offers an ideal environment for trading with trusted and likeminded businesses.
One of the biggest pitfalls for small businesses is failing to produce financial forecasts, so OnlineOffice provides a number of tools that can keep them up to date with the performance of their businesses.
Through the WinWeb accounting services small firms can access two modules, a simple cash book system and a fully accredited multi user ledger system available for use in real time, allowing a company’s own accountant can access it. Subscribers also have the option of faxing or scanning receipts to WinWeb, which will produce a cash flow forecast on their behalf.
WinWeb also provides online storage facilities allowing companies to back up all their files and keep vital information secure. This has an added cost saving benefit as companies will not have to increase their service capacity to store an increasing number of electronic files.
Mr Topfer said: “I believe that small businesses are not serviced well globally and in WinWeb, entrepreneurs will have a willing partner to ensure that they have all the support they need to grow the businesses. We are geared to working when our clients work, that is why we are available 24 hours a day.”
Subscribers are offered a 30 day free trial to OnlineOffice, and can choose to sign up for a subscription of one year at a cost of £120.
Information: www.winweb.com