Nearly half of small businesses in the UK have boosted workforce productivity by embracing mobile broadband, according to new research.

The study by O2 found that 44 per cent of growing firms feel their use of converged devices such as iPhones and mobile internet has boosted their operations in recent months.

It was also revealed that 65 per cent of small companies believe their investment in technology has actively helped their business and encouraged greater staff flexibility.

Simon Devonshire, Head of Small Business Marketing at O2, said growing firms have been "quick to recognise and capitalise on the benefits of technology in 2009".

He added: "While many investment plans have needed to take a back seat this year, the best small businesses are aware that cutting back on technology is simply not an option."

O2 recently joined forces with Huawei as part of a pilot to trial the introduction of super-fast mobile broadband technology in the UK.