Having a broadband internet connection is all but essential for small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs).

That's according to Brett Marino of IT services company Small Business Computing, who also noted that it was important to use a "reputable broadband provider".

"Small and medium organisations need to be made aware of how to use broadband to its full potential," he said. "It is so much more than a quick and cost-effective way of downloading large files, emailing or accessing the internet."

Mr Marino explained that broadband offers the benefit of having a fixed monthly fee rather than the instability of a variable dial-up fee. This means that businesses can use the internet all they want without having to worry about it costing more.

As well as this, telephone lines are unaffected and so businesspeople can make phone calls while the internet is running - vital in many business situations.

"A broadband connection will under normal circumstances always benefit a small business, even with just two or three employees," he continued.

"The question most small businesses need to ask themselves is what is the cost of not having broadband and how is that affecting their business."

A study conducted by BT Business earlier this year found that 86 per cent of smaller businesses (with up to 50 employees) in the UK have broadband.

Many were attracted by the speed and flexibility that it offers.

According to recent survey by Connect, the two biggest IT headaches for businesses were 'everyday hassles with IT' (37 per cent) and 'security concerns' (32 per cent)