Eight out of ten small and medium-sized companies use their home broadband connection for business use, according to new research by Redshift Research for Pipex.

The study of 900 SMEs found that 79% use their home broadand internet connection for work more regularly than any other mode of connection.

The survey also revealed that a good internet connection has become key to SME working practices - 69% of respondents listed not being able to connect to the internet as the most frustrating event that can happen at work.

"The research clearly shows that broadband is a vital business tool," said Lance Spencer, product and marketing director at Pipex.

The results also shed some interesting light on attitudes to working practices, with over half of respondents (55%) stating that they work better from home compared to 35% who believe they are more productive in the office.