Almost half - 44% - of businesses quizzed for the UK Business Adviser Barometer (UKBAB) by the University of Nottingham Institute for Enterprise and Innovation (UNEI) said the weather had caused them problems. Just 1% said it had had a positive effect.

The report also revealed that 79% of enterprises thought the Government's efforts to make it easier for smaller firms to become involved in public procurement had failed.

There was also dissatisfaction over bank charges.