71% of respondents highlighted AR/VR and drones as solutions that they would either implement in cooperation with external providers or fully utilise third-party services.

Although current technology usage sits at around 6% of e-commerce players, 14% of companies indicated they will use drones within the next 12 months.

One in threes, meanwhile, said they rely on service providers to develop cyber security methods.

Tim Newns, CEO at MIDAS, says: “The research provides a view of future development and tech procurement demands of e-commerce companies in the UK – signalling areas where partnerships with specialist digital suppliers will support the next phase of innovation.”

“This type of collaboration has fuelled Manchester’s rapid growth as a global digital hub, which has attracted thousands of e-commerce and related businesses who have joined the thriving digital community we support here.”