Almost 65% of business owners think that the recession has actually made their firms more efficient, according to research conducted by as part of the Barclays Take One Small Step Campaign.

The survey also found that 34% have taken on a greater focus on customer service and a quarter of businesses said they had made improvements to their business strategy as a result of the downturn

"Businesses are finding the upside of adversity wherever they can. UK firms have taken a pragmatic approach by tackling head-on the big challenges such as improving their business strategy, increasing innovation and focusing on their employees," said Steve Cooper, managing director for Barclays Local Business.