UK small and medium-sized enterprise (SME) retailers are planning to start their Christmas promotions earlier and expect more international orders.

Research by Royal Mail has revealed many are beginning their promotions this week - one week earlier than last year - as they attempt to boost their sales.

Price promotion is the most common tactic used by firms, with 57 per cent planning to adopt the tactic, while free delivery, the second most popular option, is set to be used by 55 per cent.

Some 64 per cent of those surveyed expect a rise in international orders as a proportion of overall Christmas sales this year - an increase of 13 percentage points on last year's figure.

Nick Landon, managing director of Royal Mail Parcels, said: "Royal Mail has also been preparing for the busy festive period and is opening a dedicated network of parcel sort centres to handle the additional volume we experience every Christmas."