Nominet, the organization responsible for running the .uk domain registry, has issued their first ever Domain Name Industry Report. The report said "The global market has seen increasing 

growth rates over the last five years with the total number of domain names now growing at a rate in excess of 30% per annum ( compared to  just 10% in 2002). Amongst the key reasons for this rise will be increased recognition of the importance of an online presence, coupled with an increased global uptake of Internet access and Broadband technology. This upward trend is set to continue, at least in the short term, with growth in the first half of 2007 standing at more than 35%." 

The report noted that growth of .uk registrations (led by .co.uk) was humming along at a rate of close to 20% annually. It also said "Research carried out earlier this year illustrates that British Internet users are six times more likely to choose a .uk rather than .com address when looking for information via an Internet search engine. The online survey of 2,324 Internet users, which was carried out by YouGov, also found that 62% believe a .uk address suggests a company is local or more relevant than a .com, and a third (32%) believe that it is important for international companies to have local domain names in order to attract local customers."
(Posted Nov. 26, 2007)