The cost of doing business is increasing at a faster rate than prices by 2.2%, according to a new survey by Fathom Financial Consulting.

The research found that companies costs rose at an average of 6.1% and consumer prices only increased by 3.9% - leading to a gap of more than 2%.

"Business Price Inflation at 6.1% means that firms' profits, already under pressure from the recession, are being squeezed further by rapidly rising costs," said Erik Britton of Fathom.