The UK could solve its productivity problem in seven easy steps, according to the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB).

Together with the All Party Parliamentary Small Business Group it has released a report illustrating ways to close the productivity gap between the UK and places like Germany, France and the US.

While the UK economy has recovered from the recession of 2009, productivity remains stuck in the doldrums, which is a break on business growth and wages.

UK productivity is currently 17% than the G7 average.

Mike Cherry FSB national policy chairman said: "Improving productivity is an issue for the private sector, but the next government has an important role to play in addressing this long-standing weakness, regardless of which party or parties form the next administration."

Steps laid out in the report are:

• Incentivise business investment
• Universal access to high-quality broadband
• Investment in regional growth
• Support for innovative businesses
• Address skills and training shortages
• Improve public procurement policy
• Get more businesses exporting

Brian Binley MP, chair of the Small Businesses Productivity Inquiry, said: "This report marks the first time a concerted effort has been made to assess the drivers of productivity within small businesses specifically.

“Small businesses have been responsible for much of our recent economic growth and addressing the barriers that hold them back and giving them the right support is crucial to closing the UK's productivity gap."