Small businesses are being held back by poor broadband and mobile connections, according to new research by the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB).
The findings - revealed in FSB’s new digital infrastructure report ‘Lost Connection’ - show that a third of firms (33%) are struggling with broadband speeds that are insufficient for their current business needs. Two in five (40%) say their broadband is not good enough for their future needs.
The report also explores mobile connectivity, with data showing almost half (45%) of small firms cannot get a good connection on their mobile phones. This figure rises to 57% in rural areas of the UK.
Connection issues are crushing the growth and productivity of small business owners, with more than one in three (32%) reporting poor mobile and broadband connection has prevented them from contacting or being contacted by existing customers – or even potential new clients.