A survey of 250 SMEs based in the UK with between one and 250 employees highlighted that the biggest proportion of businesses concern about operating efficiently were based in East Anglia, Scotland and Yorkshire and the Humber.

Around 60% of businesses in these regions highlighted this as a challenge for their company.

The news comes during Business Advice Week, set up to help the UK’s 5 million businesses access helpful information to improve their business.

It also reflects the challenge of increasing productivity in UK organisations. While economic growth is accelerating and unemployment has fallen in recent years, low productivity means wages have struggled to keep the pace.

A quarter of respondents to the survey claimed that there was room for improvement within their business and approximately 20% said that they were involved in every aspect of their business, implying that they need to step back and delegate more.

The research is supported by recent findings by RSA showing 55% of start-ps don’t survive more than five years. Beyond survival, businesses also face considerable challenges in achieving growth with two thirds (63%) admitting difficulty growing their firm and three fifths (61%) of owners lacking confidence in their ability to achieve three-year continued growth.

Mark Gouldstone at BSI said: “It’s vital that businesses have the necessary knowledge to be more efficient in their business to ensure customer satisfaction, improve employee engagement and to enable access to new markets.

“Businesses should firstly understand what is required for their organisation in order to improve. What are the biggest risks, what processes need to be implemented, and what leadership is required?

“Secondly, they should ensure that employees have the necessary tools and skills to understand their part in the process – workshops, seminars and training are a key element of this. There are systems available that can help to effectively manage core areas of any business.

“Finally, once a standard is in place, businesses should market their achievement to potential and existing customers – this provides customers with reassurance that your company is working as efficiently and effectively as possible.”

For more information, visit the Business Advice Week website.