More and more businesses in Glasgow are turning to online retail as the number of physical stores across the UK decline.

Traditional 'bricks and mortar' stores make up just 16% of small businesses across the country - and Glasgow shops have now turned to the internet to sell their products.

Research from Yorkshire Bank analysed attitudes and opinions of 2,000 small business owners across the UK's largest cities and found 62% of businesses in Glasgow now sell their products online.

Taking business online seems to have hit the mark for 68% of small business owners in Glasgow, who say online technology has enabled them to increase their customer base.

READ MORE: Glasgow shops close at faster rate than new stores open

International expansion was also a factor that 59% had found easier thanks to online services.

The research also revealed online marketing opportunities may be the key to reaching wider audiences and increased sales.

Social media has been used as a core marketing channel for 71% of high growth businesses in the UK, compared to an average of 59% for the rest of businesses.

Specific platforms are also giving businesses in Glasgow different results. Facebook has been ranked highest among business leaders in the city, with nearly three-quarters of business leaders stating it was the most important as a digital marketing tool, with Twitter (60%) and Instagram (56%) following behind.

Gavin Opperman, Group Banking Business Director, CYBG, said “It’s no secret that high street stores have struggled in the face of competition from global online retailers, yet despite this, the UK’s SMEs are adapting to the challenge and doing amazing work in the digital space.

“New technology is constantly being developed that changes the digital landscape and in turn, the platforms that companies can utilise. This country’s entrepreneurs have shown that they have what it takes to seize those opportunities with both hands.

"The growth in the use of social media platforms and e-commerce can be particularly enabling for SMEs, greatly growing their customer bases.

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"It doesn’t surprise me that so many people are making the most of the digital space and embracing digital channels.”