Small to medium-sized enterprises (SME) are being urged to assess their working practices in order to enhance overall productivity.

According to the Forum of Private Business (FPB), SMEs should assign a specific period of time in order to create a framework of their business processes to minimise disruptions.

"There are many daily distractions, from the necessities of the workplace to unwelcome government red tape [and] time spent looking at the longer term can be most beneficial," said Len Collinson, national chairman of the FPB.

"Owners of smaller businesses should look for help when creating new appointments or reviewing problems," he added.

In response to this highlighted need, the FPB has launched a series of checklists to help SMEs remove any productivity obstacles within their operations.

Established in 1977, the FPB represents around 25,000 private businesses across the UK.