As the business environment becomes ever-more competitive, clients are coming to expect round-the-clock access to customer services, regardless of where they are.

According to BDO Stoy Hayward's head of IT business engagement Eunice Edwards, this is something that universal broadband connectivity can help to provide.

He was speaking to Sky News following a new report from internet service provider Orange, which suggested that the UK's national broadband policy - as outlined in Digital Britain - could significantly affect how and from where people work.

Mr Edwards told the news provider: "As Britain becomes increasingly connected, our people will be able work from anywhere across the country further improving client satisfaction, productivity and competiveness."

He added that such connectivity is becoming more and more "critical" to the ability of firms to make sure that staff can be productive and provide a responsive reaction to clients whether they are in the office, working from home or on the move.

Meanwhile, York Data Services has installed a new 2Gb fibre-optic broadband link between the city and London Docklands which it expects to boost business investment in the city.