You are running a small business and you need a website that looks good, but is cheap.

Many designers will charge you thousands of pounds and even then it may not be what you were looking for in the first place.

But a popular solution is to actually do it yourself. That is not as daunting as it sounds.

Eynsham company Media Trading Services is offering a service, Web Boutiques, which produces a professional-looking site in minutes.

All you have to do log on to the company's website, type in your text and upload your pictures into the template - and the rest is done for you.

Calvin Hutt, of Web Boutiques, said: "Anyone used to using a word processor will be entirely familiar with what is required.

"There is no talk of HTML or URLs, it really is very easy."

Businesses which have used the system include cycle shop Warlands, in Oxford, and the Hampers Food and Wine Company, in Woodstock.

The system is designed with an optimised account function which means that, once the website is up and running, it can easily be found be surfers using search engines.

After the site has been designed, it takes about 24 hours to go "live" while the domain name registered.

The other advantage is that, when it is running, the site is not just static - the look and feel can be changed, literally with a few clicks of a mouse.

Mr Hutt added: "The colour can be changed and you can flick through different templates.

"It is ideal if you have news about key events, such as a trade show you have been attending. Text and pictures can be uploaded very quickly."

Upgraded versions of the system are also available, depending on the price paid, with the basic system starting at about £500.

Web hosting is inclusive in the first year and costs £150 for every subsequent year.

A full e-commerce system is also due to be launched in 2007, which will be a boon for small retailers looking to attract custom worldwide if necessary.

Ed Hollingshead and Tom Bowden, who founded Media Trading Services, have big plans for Web Boutiques.

Mr Hutt added: "We want to develop about 200 websites locally before offering the service nationally.

"There is also no reason why we can't go international as well."

Contact: Web Boutiques, 0845 370 3711 www.webboutiques.co.uk