The internet has changed consumer attitudes and made it harder for small and medium-sized companies to operate, a new study suggests.

Data gathered by YouGov for T-Mobile shows that 55 per cent of SME owners think it is hard to run a successful business now when compared to three years ago. Over a third (35 per cent) said that this was because consumers had become more demanding.

Many bosses said that the internet was responsible for the rise in a 'want it now' culture in the UK, which made operating a business more difficult.

As well as customers, many (33 per cent) SME owners reported that colleagues and suppliers now expected instant communication.

"The rise of the internet has given birth to a 'want it now culture - customers expect an immediate response to every enquiry," explained Derek Williamson, the head of business marketing at T-Mobile UK.

"This is forcing SMEs to operate in a different way, and use all the tools at their disposal to be more productive and efficient.

"The ability to fulfil orders and respond to customers as quickly as possible is of paramount importance, which is why SMEs are starting to recognise that mobile technology can have a significant impact on their bottom line."

Recent figures suggested that faster broadband connects were allowing SME bosses to better manage their work-life balance.