A ground-breaking report examining the "internet economy" states it contributes £100bn to Britain’s GDP.

The Connected Kingdom report, published on Thursday, also says that the internet is responsible for 250,000 UK jobs and predicts it will grow to account for 10pc of UK GDP by 2015.

Experts believe the internet now wields a bigger influence of the British economy than construction, transport or utilities.

The report, commissioned by Google, found that Britons spend a higher proportion of their money online than any other country in the nations of the Organisation of Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD).

Mr Zwillenberg said online shopping accounted for about half of the headline £100bn figure. In 2001 consumers spent just £2bn online and he added that cash spent on online goods and tickets would also be counted among the retail and transport sectors' contribution to the economy. Mr Zwillenberg said online businesses have become so skilled at selling overseas that the UK is now a net exporter of goods and services with £2.80 exported for every £1 imported.

Matt Brittin, managing director of Google UK, said: "We all know how the internet has changed the way people access information and communicate.

"Now for the first time we can see how its adoption by British business has become a major contributor to UK GDP, and that the internet is a central pillar of the UK's economy. The sector has come of age, and with great prospects for further growth, will be vital to the UK's future prosperity."