In some sectors, B2B is putting smaller manufacturers on a more equal footing with larger businesses in their dealings with retailers. For instance, in the furniture industry, which consists of a great many small manufacturers and retailers, online platforms are emerging as the basis of much more efficient delivery systems. Corridor's platform will allow retailers to inform their customers of precise delivery dates through online links to manufacturers and distributors. For the time being the cost of investment in technologies and accompanying skills makes it unrealistic to expect small retailers and manufacturers in any economic sector to trade with each other directly online. Instead, online brokers will emerge as intermediaries.
Opportunities exist in most areas of niche retailing, from childrens' toys to office stationery.
These will be the real drivers of 'clicks and mortar'. In the near future it is not difficult to envisage online brokers such as Corridor giving small retailers access to manufactures on a global basis. Many back-office activities that have been the drivers of job creation in the South East over the past 30 years could be eliminated over the next 10. The internet will let employees do more of their work from home, breaking away from the work patterns imposed by the requirements of the industrial economy. For large numbers of 'knowledge employees' the daily commute is redundant.