The Digital Economy Survey is being paused and therefore will not collect data in respect of 2023.
Aim of this survey
The Digital Economy Survey measures the use of information and communication technology (ICT) and the value of electronic sales (e-commerce) made by UK businesses. The results of the survey provide comprehensive statistics in relation to businesses and their adoption of new technology and e-commerce.
The statistics are produced to allow users to compare the UK with other countries.
The Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) is an important UK user of the statistics that monitor how businesses are engaging in the digital economy. There are a range of other users of the statistics, including the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). The importance to the UK economy of business's engagement with e-commerce is reflected in the volume of total e-commerce sales (£693 billion in 2019) and the proportion of total business turnover that relates to e-commerce transactions (18%).
What you need to know
To complete the survey, you will need the following information:
the use of ICT in your business
access and use of the internet
web or electronic data interchange (EDI) sales and purchases
All information you provide is strictly confidential.
Survey information
Selection criteria: UK trading businesses registered for Value Added Tax (VAT) and/or Pay as You Earn (PAYE)
Population: approximately 2.2 million
Sample: approximately 11,000
Frequency: annual
Dispatch dates
Between 3 March and 10 March
Return-by date
5 May
Dispatch and return-by dates are a guide. They are subject to change because of national holidays and weekends.
Why you were selected
Your business has been selected from a directory of businesses in the UK that are registered for VAT and/or PAYE or with Companies House. Your response ensures we represent your industry.
The Digital Economy Survey is conducted under the provisions of the Statistics of Trade Act 1947. Once selected, your business is legally obliged to comply. You cannot appeal your selection.
Why you have received this survey
We survey businesses of all sizes to ensure our statistics are representative of the UK economy. We select large businesses (those with 100 plus employees) for any relevant Office for National Statistics business surveys because their information is so significant. We select some small and medium businesses, usually for a set period of time, then replace them with other businesses from their industry. They are very important to us as their trading patterns are often very different to large businesses.
How to complete this survey
Your letter explains how to complete this survey online. Please use your unique enrolment code to report your information.
If you need help
If your question is not answered above, you may be able to find the answer in the About ONS business surveys section.
You can call us on 0300 1234 931. Please enter the three-digit survey ID 187.
From outside the UK: +44 1633 810495.
Er mwyn gwneud cais am ffurflen Gymraeg (to speak to someone in Welsh): 0300 1234 921.