Men who thought women mainly used the internet for shopping have been proved wrong.

Research by Think Pink Inc, the Bradford-based "what women want" website launched last autumn, shows retail therapy is way down the list when women log on.

Seven out of ten women polled used the internet to source new contacts or find business information. Only 23 per cent used the web to stock up their wardrobes, buy cars or book holidays.

Think Pink Inc's survey also highlighted heavy net use by women, with 76 per cent of those questioned using it every day and 67 per cent logging on both at home and work.

Other key uses were for personal chat and e-mail facilities (34 per cent) and surfing for pleasure (28 per cent).

More than half the women described the internet as "fantastic" and "something they couldn't get by without".

Charlene Heseltine, the founder of www.thinkpinkinc.co.uk said e-mails were threatening to overtake the use of the phone in modern office culture.

"It seems the web is now the definitive resource for collecting information for the modern woman, whether it be a useful business contact at work, or finding a decent electrician for the home," she said.

"It's been proven that women heavily influence purchase decisions. At Think Pink Inc we are creating a website where women can go to find products and services. We are recruiting businesses every day and we employ 'stink pink' to ensure only trustworthy and reputable businesses can advertise on the site."

Miss Heseltine said that small and medium-sized businesses with little experience of the web were now realising the advantages of an on-line presence to promote products and services.

Since its launch, the website aimed at women aged 18 to 45 has grown by more than 200 per cent and has recruited more than 700 business members for its online directory, lifestyle magazine and virtual marketplace.

The company's philosophy has been to bring together businesses and consumers and effectively provide a one-stop shop for the range of products and services sought out by women.

Miss Heseltine, 34, from Allerton, revealed that the firm is planning on a big expansion due to its popularity. She said the options were to join forces with a bigger-name publisher or to identify individuals such as business angels who would be prepared to make a significant investment in the venture.