The research , which is featured in BT Business’ State of the Small Business Nation 2007 report, found that a combination of broadband services and faster connection speeds have increased mobility, enabled remote access and encouraged flexible working amongst UK entrepreneurs.

Broadband is revealed as a key enabler in flexible working, with more than three quarters of businesses surveyed (78%) citing speed and flexibility as the reason for broadband uptake.

The report also shows that one third of smaller companies (33%) and almost half of sole trader businesses (48%) are starting to create a better work-life balance, by spending a greater proportion of their working hours away from the office.

More than 95% of people questioned had broadband in their home, allowing them the freedom to work away from the office with alternative working patterns better suited to the demands of their lifestyle and commitments than the traditional 9-5.

The research found that broadband services, such as Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP), are also improving work-life balance. Forty-eight per cent of small businesses expect to be using VoIP this time next year, with one third of 31 to 50 employee businesses recognising that mobility, including remote access and flexible working, is the reason to use internet calling services.