Small firms could help to drive growth for worldwide shipping providers, after it was claimed e-commerce is a vital tool to small businesses.

E-commerce heavily relies on worldwide shipping firms to deliver the goods people order online.

And according to Bright Ideas Trust founder Tim Campbell, could be an essential element to help small firms survive the tough economic climate.

Speaking at the T-Mobile Small Business Roundtable Debate, the former winner of the BBC's Apprentice programme, said that 'small firms should not ignore the benefits of e-commerce as it can mean instant payment.'

Mr Campbell added that "A small company cannot afford to wait 90 days to get paid sometimes because the cash flow implications of that can be huge."

His comments come after the government's Insolvency Service revealed figures showing that the UK economy is recovering, reporting that company liquidations have fallen in the last year; by 19.1 per cent to 4,080.