Small and medium-sized companies are increasingly using smartphones with mobile applications to increase their businesses' productivity, according to research from YouGov, commissioned by BlackBerry manufacturer Research In Motion (RIM).

46% of SME decision makers believe they can be more productive by using a smartphone, with 60% of young entrepreneurs claiming they save up to two hours productive time each day compared with 45% of older SME decision makers.

The research also revealed that 25% of small firm owners are already using or are considering using their smartphone to access company systems such as accounting and Customer Relationship Management (CRM) databases.

"More and more SMEs are realising that mobile technology is not just about communications and email on the go - it can improve overall business efficiency," said Rory O'Neill of RIM.

"SMEs are increasingly mobile and the ability to access the information and tools they need, whenever and wherever they are, can result in tangible business benefits."