It reckons suppliers who communicate more with the bigger firms they work with, and show them they value their working relationship, will earn more business.

In fact, the report said it was "just as important" for small firms to do this as it was to ensure that their products and services were competitive.

Spokesman Thierry Saada said:

"The findings prove that less tangible aspects of business, such as communication and relationship-building, can have a significant effect on the business, and ultimately, the bottom line."