Small and medium-sized business bosses are spending record amounts of time away from the office as they attempt to generate new business during the recession, according to a new study of 1,000 SMEs conducted by O2.

The research revealed that 25% of small firm bosses spend less than an hour at their desk a day and 10% average just 30 minutes. Over half of respondents attributed this to adopting a more hands on approach to winning new business due to the current economic climate.

The survey has highlighted the need for all SME owners to have access to remote working so that they can remain in contact with customers and staff while they are away from the office.