Web hosting provider 1&1 Internet (1and1.co.uk) announced on Tuesday that it had launched an offer that provides any small business in the UK with six months of free hosting, as well as a free .co.uk domain name. The "1&1 Test Drive" is designed to encourage more smaller businesses to embrace the Web.

Until the end of June, users who take advantage of the Test Drive offer will be set up with free business-level Web hosting packages as well as their own .co.uk domain names. Business owners will also receive 1&1 DynamicSiteCreator, a program that enables users to create flash Web sites.

"Our work with SMEs has helped to show just how vital a web presence is for small and micro sized businesses" said 1&1 CEO Andreas Gouger in a press release. "However, some still shy away from the web, mistakenly believing that they do not have the resources necessary to have a website. 1&1 is providing the Test Drive to allow businesses to experience at first hand and without risk, just how easy and affordable it can be to launch online."

1&1 currently serves over 3.5 million customer contracts worldwide and hosts roughly 5 million domain names. More details about the Test Drive promotion are available on the company's Web site.