The launch of .uk, the UK new country-code Top-Level Domain (ccTLD) is good news for Britain and for small to medium sized businesses throughout the country. According to 123-reg, the UK’s leading domain registrar, the new extension will help to drive relevance and availability in the UK domain space.

Matt Mansell, Group Managing Director at 123-reg’s parent company, Host Europe Group, said: “After an extensive planning and consultation process, it’s exciting that .uk is finally hitting the domain market. We have no doubt it will breathe new life into the UK’s digital economy, bringing the UK’s domain in line with our shorter more memorable European counterparts”

 “We are very aware that with multiple .uk domains to choose from, our customers may not know which one they should choose – especially those who may not be aware that the new domain has launched. With this in mind, we want to answers five key questions that SMEs thinking about buying a .uk domain should think about,” Mansell added.

1. Why is .uk launching?
The UK was the only European country not offering a two-letter ccTLD. This landmark change will afford both new and the 10m existing .uk customers a shorter and more unique extension, one that brings the United Kingdom into line with the other major European markets such as France (.fr), Germany (.de), Spain (.es) and Italy (.it).

Combining a shorter suffix with the trust of the ‘.uk’ brand will mean wider choice, and more potential opportunities for those businesses who want their own online space. Moreover, businesses overwhelmingly wanted it. In a recent 123-reg customer survey, 73% confirmed they were in favour of it.

2. Why register a .uk and how will it benefit my business?
With shorter extensions becoming more popular, the .uk extension provides a means to shorten your existing domain and create a shorter more memorable address for your visitors. In addition, it clearly shows that you do business in the UK, helping to boost sales and attract visitors to your site.

.uk is set to become the new standard for UK-based websites helping to create greater trust in .uk registered websites. The change will continue to support online trading for businesses, showcasing the strength of the UK’s digital economy.

3. What should I do with my existing .co.uk?
The .co.uk domain is long established here in the UK, so the two can co-exist. Our advice for online businesses and individuals is to always protect their brand online in much the same way that we advise businesses to purchase the ‘monopoly’ set of the top three domains (.com, .net .org) and their local ccTLD.

4. What do I do with my new .uk?
It is important that small businesses think carefully about the ways in which to use their new .uk domain. 123-reg will be offering a number of tools to help people make this transition easily.

5. Who can buy a .uk domain?
Unlike some ccTLDs, there are no restrictions on .uk registration, meaning if the domain is available anyone can purchase it.

For more information about the just-launched .uk, and what it will mean for British businesses, please visit https://www.123-reg.co.uk/domain-names/register-uk-domains.shtml