Tablet computing is growing at a rapid rate and businesses in the UK should make sure they’re in a position to benefit, according to Britain’s largest online parcel delivery service.

Parcel2Go, which helps individuals and businesses send millions of packages to domestic and foreign addresses each year, has urged companies to make the most of the fact that more people are using mobile devices to buy online.

The latest research paper from online analytics consultancy Logan Tod & Co said the sudden emergence of tablets “almost came out of nowhere”. Out of the 1,121 adults the company spoke to at the end of last month, 14 per cent said they had used either an iPad or another make of tablet computer to purchase a gift over the Christmas period. Logan Tod & Co said in 2010, 7 per cent of people used a mobile phone to purchase a Christmas gift – that more than doubled to 15 per cent this Christmas.

With more consumers expected to invest in a tablet computer this year, the opportunity for retailers is evident.

Richard Mercer, marketing director at Parcel2Go, said: “This research highlights just how important it is for retailers to adopt a multi-channel approach in order to maximise sales opportunities. Having an online presence is now a must for all companies, regardless of which sector they are in, but taking that a step further and optimising websites for mobile and tablet devices now looks like it will pay dividends.

“Parcel2Go works with many thousands of companies, helping them to ship their goods to customers around the world, and it is clear that demand for well laid out, intuitive websites offering reliable international shipping options is not going to diminish anytime soon.”

###