The number of franchise dealers, independent garages and fast-fits using 1link e-commerce platforms has now passed 13,000.

Also, as well as the number of users rising, an increasing number are using more than one type of e-commerce platform.

"The fundamental benefits of e-commerce make a lot of sense in a recession," explained Ken Trinder, head of business development at epyx, the company behind 1link.

"Our platforms provide the means to reach a much wider pool of potential buyers than through any other route and business can be transacted at a very low cost."