Many British firms are failing to fully utilise the potential of information technology (IT), research suggests.

According to a study by YouGov, commissioned by Microsoft and the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC), although a majority of firms utilise the internet, half of the UK's small business sector is not backing-up its data every day.

"This research shows how far small businesses have come in recent years and how much they all rely on their computers," said David Frost, director general of the BCC.

The survey also found that two-in-five respondents operate office computers which still lack a basic firewall configuration, while a further two-thirds spent an estimated £1,259 every year rectifying security failures.

"Too much time is still being taken up fixing problems that could have been avoided," he added.

Operated on a not-for-profit basis, the BCC provides services and support to its members within the UK's business community.